Wauchope people met council staff on Tuesday to give feedback and find out more about the proposed new sporting precinct on the corner of Stoney Creek Road and the Oxley Highway.
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The council says there will be high-end fields for outdoor sports, including cricket, touch football, football, rugby league and rugby union, plus a children’s play space, an off-leash dog exercise area and paths for cyclists and walkers.
The facility is also being designed as a potential location for a Cricket Centre of Excellence for Cricket NSW.
Peter King, Merv Bourke and Gavin Newbound from Wauchope Cricket Club were there to give their perspective.
“It’s good for the Hastings and good for the Mid North Coast,” said Peter.
“With a growing population, our clubs need to be building for the future,” said Merv.
Barry Thompson from Wauchope Rotary was there to see how the development would benefit the town and make sure the off-leash dog park will be workable. Fellow Rotarian, Kathryn Stephens agreed.
“We have been in meetings with council for two years. It’s a community priority,” she said.
Hockey club members Colin and Glenn Pursehouse suggested that the complex will need additional storage and amenities.
They hope the new precinct will open up other fields, as Wauchope Hockey Club doesn’t have a home ground.
Rob Hamilton from Timbertown Resort hopes it will attract regional as well as local events and bring more people to the Hastings. Barry Breckinridge from Breckinridge Farmstay had this question.
“Where are they going to put all the people? I want to bring money to the town by letting people with caravans stay locally,” he said.
Errol Cook from Princess Avenue was concerned that the emergency vehicle access point will be there, where a lot of children live. Arthur Long who lives in Randall Street felt that the council should consult the Lyne MP, Dr David Gillespie.
The council hope that the new precinct will be used from early morning until late at night, for recreation as well as sport. The plan is due to be completed by the end of this year.