THE state government has recommitted $2.5 million in funding for a proposed PCYC on the grounds of Port Macquarie’s Hastings Secondary College.
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Utilising funding originally earmarked for the indoor stadium project, the proposed building will cost an estimated $13 million, over $10 million of which is still unfunded.
The funding was withdrawn from the indoor stadium project in 2015 after negotiations by the PCYC to collaborate with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on leasing arrangements hit a stalemate.
That funding will now be utilised to reinvigorate a PCYC presence for Port Macquarie.
Minister Rob Stokes said he was extremely excited with the new plans in Port Macquarie, giving the town a “second chance” at a PCYC.
“We got close to establishing one but it wasn’t supported by the then Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
“After continued advocacy by the community for over a decade, it is very exciting to announce a PCYC and reignite the vision the community has.
“If the feasibility study is successful, I see this as a win-win for the local community with a PCYC and specialised sports facility in the same location,” Minister Stokes said.
“We have the land available, and there is a need for a sporting social hub for young people, in a safe environment, with programs and activities that target the whole community,” he said.
“The previously allocated $2.5 million in state government funding will be used, with other funds yet to be determined, but now that we have a site secured, we can give the PCYC a home.”
In the proposed plans for the PCYC and sports facility, a minimum of two basketball courts, a multi-purpose activity space for boxing, martial arts, group fitness, dance and elite gymnastics, and chill out spaces along with PCYC Youth Command Offices and consultation rooms will be built.
Assistant Police Commissioner Capability Performance and Youth Command, Joe Cassar said the project, which will be built on school grounds, celebrated community collaboration, will be accessible to the public and bring with it extra police resources.
“This is a tremendous win for the community, the extra physical resources it will bring into Port will be great, as well as the centre becoming a safe haven for youth with police based at the site,” he said.
Acting deputy principal of Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie, Geoff Duck, said that it was a huge win for not only the school but for the whole community.
“The shared facilities provide great programs and training spaces for students and the wider community, and it is in a great location for youth in the area to come and use the space,” Mr Duck said.
“When the centre is built it will have controlled access during the day with the community able to use it after school hours,” he said.
