Funding would allow council to upgrade the park’s infrastructure and add new amenities.

The application was one of only 35 from a state-wide field of 413 to make it through the Expression of Interest stage, and council will now submit a more detailed full application. 

Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon said Inverell Sports Complex was an important community asset and council was very keen to upgrade the facilities to cater adequately for the growing numbers using the grounds.

 “This is an important project for Inverell and will accommodate our fast growing sporting community for many years to come,” Cr Harmon said.

 “We appreciate Mr Marshall’s support and hope the merit of the project is appreciated by those assessing our request for funding.”

The Inverell Soccer Association is the largest user group and it is expanding quickly. 

During the last five years its numbers have doubled, and the Mini World Cup this year attracted 50 local, interstate and international teams to the week-long event with organisers planning next year’s event to be bigger.

“The Inverell Sports Complex is used year round by 11 different sporting associations and player numbers are increasing rapidly,” Mr Marshall said.

“The project will include an upgrade to irrigation and drainage at the 21 hectare complex as well as the installation of lighting on the soccer fields and netball courts.

“Council intends building a club house that will cater to all groups; the complex is also used by schools for their cross country events and the addition of a track and field facility will be welcomed by local schools and Inverell Little Athletics.  Providing lighting to the playing fields will be another welcome feature as training for many of these sports is after hours.

Mr Marshall said  junior hockey was a growing sport in Inverell, so there is real need to meet that demand and allow the grounds to be used after dark.

“A grandstand will also be an added feature, with a capacity to seat 500 people,” he said.