The Botanical Gardens are set to receive a new amenities block with the approval of funding from the NSW and local governments.
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The Forbes and District Soccer Club, working closely with Forbes Shire Council, secured a $146,236 grant from the 2015 Asian Cup Legacy Surplus Funds.
The 2015 Asian Cup Legacy Surplus Fund is an initiative of the NSW government, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football to provide assistance to community soccer clubs by helping to improve their facilities.
This fund was created out of the NSW government’s surplus from the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless said this fund will improve facilities at a local level in NSW’s highest participated sport.
The Forbes Shire Council has also allocated $150,000 to help fund the building of the new toilet and change room complex at the Botanical Gardens.
Mayor Graeme Miller said this new amenities block is in line with the Council’s aims of getting a multipurpose complex due to the amount of sporting groups which use the Botanical Gardens.
“Part of the long term strategic plan to develop the grounds as a site worthy of its major sports use, the work will include a complete replacement of the amenities block, incorporating facilities for the disabled,” Mayor Miller said.
Locally based Western NSW coach Doug Mckenzie said the amenities block should be finished by April next year, in time for the start of the 2018 soccer season.
Upon completion of the new amenities block, the original block will be converted into a secure storage area.
As part of the construction process a new fence will be installed along the western side of the fields.
Member for Orange Philip Donato said it was good to see these funds going to support grassroots levels of sport.
Mr Donato said any funding towards sport to increase participation is good due to the many benefits, especially for children, which include fitness and social interaction.
Football clubs in the Orange electorate can apply for the second round of Asian Cup Legacy funding, applications close March 2, 2018.