Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to lower the tone. I have some very good news I would like to tell the House about today, and I would like everyone to listen carefully. I do not need to yell to make my dramatic point, because this is fair dinkum.

Today at Melville Oval in Hamilton, the new lighting system is scheduled to be switched on for the first time. The coalition is delivering for local communities. Indeed, as we sit here I understand a team from the power company is currently undergoing a final inspection. The Melville Oval is the heart of the sporting community in Hamilton. The instalment of these lights is a huge win for the local community. This important upgrade will enable Melville Oval to be utilised for extra activities such as underage football on Friday nights and night cricket games. It will also improve training conditions for footballers and netballers and will help increase participation in sport.

I am sure many Hamilton residents would agree there is no better place to be than at Melville Oval on a crisp Saturday afternoon in winter as they barrack for the Kangaroos. These lights are being funded through the Community Development Grants Program, and the coalition has contributed $125,000 for this upgrade.

I would like to thank Darren Templeton, Paul Block and John Pepper, all presidents of the relevant football clubs, for the contribution they have made in ensuring this important upgrade has taken place.