FOOTBALL Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons is confident the first sod will be turned for the region's newest sporting facility by early 2022.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
FMNC is close to finalising an architectural plan to develop the site as a football stadium with the assistance of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in conjunction with Lewis Land Group and a number of partners.
By the end of 2022, it is hoped the first stage of the complex - located near St Joseph's Regional College in Port Macquarie - will be complete.
It will allow the Hastings to host a visiting international team ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, something that Coffs Harbour currently holds the inside running for.
"We've just got to get all our ducks lined up in a row, but all things look fairly positive at this stage for a commencement of the project," Mr Parsons said.
"Given the current climate with shovel-ready projects in regional areas and the Nationals pushing regional infrastructure, I would be confident we tick most, if not all the boxes."
Stage one would include a field capable of hosting an A-League fixture complete with lighting for 500-lux along with office space, change rooms, media rooms and undercover seating.
"There would be potential there for more stands in the outer sections of the ground and we expect the venue will hold 4000 spectators with the plan to have synthetic fields on the outside."
"We've just got to get all our ducks lined up in a row, but all things look fairly positive at this stage for a commencement of the project."
- Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons
Six-a-side synthetic training fields will complement a field that includes a cricket pitch while extra parking and other facilities will be part of the complex.
Mr Parsons said they were closer to turning the dream of a shiny, new sporting facility now into a reality than they were several years ago.
There is plenty going on in the background.
"It's nil-all at half-time and we've had fairly good control of the first half; we're looking forward to a win in the second half," Mr Parsons said.
"It's all about converting opportunities from the penalty spot or otherwise. We're a lot closer than we were four years ago."
"It's nil-all at half-time and we've had fairly good control of the first half; we're looking forward to a win in the second half."
- Mike Parsons
FMNC has been in negotiations with Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan and deputy prime minister Michael McCormack's offices regarding the acquisition of additional funding that will be required to turn the first sod.
"We've had fruitful discussions and are currently planning to meet with our local state member to get infrastructure funding from either or both parties to start the project," Mr Parsons said.
"We have the land, the potential for earthworks and have seed money at the moment, but the finances are still to be finally allocated.
"I'm confident that we'll be ready to commence work within 12 months with the support we believe we have in the background.
"With a bit of luck we will have stage one complete prior to the beginning of the Women's World Cup so we can host visiting international teams for camps pre-World Cup.
"For us to secure a national visiting team, this stadium is imperative because it will be so good for Port Macquarie and it would highlight the significance of the region."
What else is happening in news, sport?
- Wauchope hit Rovers for six in Premier League semi final
- Tacking Point surf masters secure top 10 place at state champs
- North Coast women qualify for Country Rugby League semi-finals
- Footy field to horse racing; NRL leader calls Mid North Coast home
- Key players welcome official opening of Lake Cathie skate park
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- You can support us with a subscription
- Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Google News