Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced the Nationals in government would deliver $500,000 in funding to the Portland Touch Football Association (PTA) to go towards significant upgrades to its facilities if re-elected.
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Mr Toole made the announcement at Portland's Saville Park on Wednesday, March 6 coinciding with another visit to the region by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro.
Mr Toole said the half million dollar boost would go towards building a new club house, field maintenance and new equipment.
Portland Touch life member Graham Ford said the money would mean a lot to the town.
"As you can see, we've been living in a shed the past 15 years, so a new club house would mean people out of town would be able to have shower before they go home and it can be a place to put all our trophy's," he said.
Portland Touch president Brady McCann said they want something a bit more secure.
"Three years ago we purchased a defibrillator and it cost $3500 and we can't keep it in there, but thanks to the bowling club they actually hold that for us when we need it, but we would like to have a place of our own that is safe and secure," he said.
"We once put a lawn mower in our shed and somebody pinched it," Mr Ford said.
Mr McCann said the money would mean a lot to the whole community of Portland.
"It won't benefit just us but the junior and senior cricket, even the Spring Fair that gets held here, any event that uses Saville Park will be able to use the facility," he said.
"Its going to be a great thing to happen to Saville park and keep making Portland bigger and better."
MP Paul Toole said the funding has the potential to transform the fields and facilities.
"There are a number of required upgrades including change rooms, disabled toilets, canteen facilities and lighting at the grounds.
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"We know that this funding will support improvements that will not only benefit the Portland Touch Football Association, but other clubs and community groups who use the grounds."
Mr Barilaro said people in regional NSW deserve quality community and sporting facilities, because so often they are the places where people and families come together.
"Sport is often such an integral part of the lives of people in regional NSW, and we know how far and wide the benefits of a commitment like this will be felt," he said.
"It's only because of our strong economic management in government, that we're able to put ourselves in a position where we have the ability to make meaningful funding commitments like this one."
The election will take place on Saturday, March 23.
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