AN ambitious $300,000 upgrade of the Kalangadoo War Memorial and Sports Park is under a cloud with the Liberal State Government yet to honour a $10m funding commitment.
Successful recipients of round four of the Female Facilities Program – which funds new or upgraded female sports change rooms and other facilities – are yet to be announced, raising concern from the State Opposition the program will be scrapped.
Following three unsuccessful applications, the club’s round four application sought a $313,000 State Government contribution – or 75pc of the project cost – which would see a major upgrade of the change rooms at the complex.
The proposed construction would consist of a brick extension, including toilets, shower cubicles, umpire and officials rooms, disabled access toilet, parenting room, equipment store and warm-up area.
According to the club, the current facilities have safety, hygiene, privacy and security concerns, with women and children forced to share the changing area with men.
With successful recipients expected to be announced in July, Kalangadoo War Memorial Park and Community Sports Club president Andre Carlson and netball committee member Jayde Peacock said the club was concerned about the funding.
“If we miss out on the State Government funding, we would not be able to do the project,” he said.
“If we had to do it dollar for dollar, it just would not happen because we do not have the money.
“If that happens, we will have to regroup and scratch our heads and think about what happens next.”
Ms Peacock said upgrades to the female facilities were a necessity given the increasing rate of participation in sports, including women’s football.
“Our women’s football side has been successful in recruiting a number of players and some of them travel from Mount Gambier or Millicent for training, which is great for the club,” she said.
“For some people, it is a bit more than just sport – it is a community hub and somewhere they are able to get out when they otherwise might not have that opportunity.
“At the moment, players are forced to change in our existing facilities, which are not suitable.
“Some of our players get changed in their car.
“Most nights you are out here training and if you are not, you are playing.
“It is embarrassing when you have other clubs come here and have to go through our toilets and dirty change rooms.”
Labor MLC Clare Scriven called on Sport and Recreation Minister Corey Wingard to confirm the continuance of the fourth and final round and grants.
“Sporting clubs are seeing an increase in female participation and the new facilities are ensuring this participation is supported,” she said.
“Outdated and inappropriate facilities are being upgraded because of this grant program, which was fully funded by the former Labor Government.
“Mr Wingard and the State Liberals need to confirm they are proceeding with this round of grants.”
