Need for Woolgoolga multi purpose centre raised in Federal Parliament

November 19, 2010

Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker has raised in Federal Parliament the need for a multi purpose community centre in Woolgoolga.

Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr Hartsuyker told the House of Representatives that such a facility was needed to meet the increased needs of the Northern Beaches community.

“The matter I raise relates to the proposed Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches multipurpose community facility,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “The Northern Beaches area, north of Coffs Harbour, continues to grow, as does the demand for improved services and infrastructure. Currently the area is lacking sporting and cultural facilities in which young people can participate in a range of activities.

“A Northern Beaches multipurpose community facility committee has been formed and comprises strong representation from the community and sporting groups. These include the youth club, the residents’ association, the chamber of commerce, the Indian Temple Committee, the Lions and Rotary clubs, the Woolgoolga High School P and C, the Woolgoolga Netball Association, soccer clubs and the RSL Club.

“The committee proposes to construct an indoor community and sporting facility which would include basketball courts, a stage, a kitchen and multipurpose rooms. The centre would be a cultural venue for the arts and would provide a place to host community events.

“The vision is to bring the community together in one location and address the fact that many young people cannot access such facilities unless they travel to Coffs Harbour. A re-elected federal coalition government would have committed $800,000 towards the construction of such a facility. These funds were set aside to assist with construction costs.

“However, it was important that all three levels of government supported a multipurpose facility in Woolgoolga. I acknowledge the professionalism of the committee and call on the federal government to join the coalition in supporting this project,” Mr Hartsuyker told Parliament.