Blacktown City Council Budget Backs Sport Venues
Within a mammoth $563 million budget for 2016/17, the Blacktown City Council is to back major investments in local sporting facilities which includes Popondetta Park as well as the Blacktown International Sports Park.
Popondetta Park, home to the Mt Druitt Town Rangers, will receive $5 million to create an international-standard facility while the Blacktown International Sports Park, home to the Blacktown Spartans as well as the Blacktown District Soccer Football Association, will get $1.7 million for field and lighting upgrades.
Blacktown and District Soccer Football Association CEO Jack Taylor was delighted with the outcome which would see this facility continue in its development as one of the best in Sydney’s West for football.
“BDSFA is thrilled with Blacktown Council’s continued pursuit of excellence in providing sporting infrastructure to the city.
“Our addition will provide three more training venues for Blacktown Spartans as well as venues for local community football games.”
While Mt Druitt Town Rangers Club President Mark Robertson was impressed with the fund that will see the club’s home ground transform into a first class facility.
“A $ 5million upgrade to Popondetta Park to make Mt Druitt Town Rangers one of the country’s best football precincts is beyond our dreams!
“We are super excited.
“In 20 years at the club this is the single biggest announcement the club has seen.
“The gratitude of our club, its members and the local football community wholeheartedly goes to and thanks Blacktown Council for its commitment to the growth and support of Football in our local area. In fact Councils support of all sports is a credit to them.
“Our club is a hub of ethnic diversity and we engage and support all levels of football at the club from our Juniors “Town Rangers” to the Representative arm of the club Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
“We are well known for giving young players in our community the opportunity to play when their financial situation does not permit. We take great pleasure in helping our local community to play at whatever level they can.
“The detail of the plans for the upgrade will be released soon. However you can be assured that the main field at Popondetta will benefit from reduced games and can continue to be known as one of the Football NSW competitions premier grass surfaces.
“Over the last 4 years many people have journeyed to Popondetta and have witnessed the constant upgrades. Improved Lighting, New Grandstand extension, new external seating and multiple clubhouse upgrades have taken place via a collaborative approach from Club officials along with our Local Councillors Charlie Lowles, Tony Bleasdale and State members Mr Edmond Atalla and Mr Richard Amery and supported by Blacktown City Council and Mayor Stephen Bali.
“The budget and upgrade to Popondetta Park will see new fields created that caters for all weather surface where our clubs teams can play and train when rain so often affects grass pitches.
“The recent announcement from Blacktown Council in the 2016/17 budget sets Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC up for a wonderful future.
“Our local community will benefit enormously.
“We can’t wait to see what the final completed development looks like.”
Indicators of growth of the Wester Sydney council, and its demand for sport facilities, will see $16 million invested in improving local sports fields and facilities.
This news was backed by the support from Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali who has continually promoted the sport of football within an area who are known to be passionate about the world game.
