The Labor Member for Lyons, Rebecca White, today unveiled new lights at Pembroke Park in Sorell, which will give locals more opportunities to participate in sport and recreation.

 

The lights will extend the use of the park by five hours a day during winter, and has been supported by $80,000 in State Government funding through Sport and Recreation Tasmania's Major Grants Program.

 

"Local sporting clubs have worked very hard to improve the infrastructure on the site and I am very pleased the Government has been able to support their work through this grant round," she said.

 

"This funding compliments the yesterday's announcement from the Commonwealth of $1.2 million to upgrade existing facilities and build new soccer grounds, netball courts and changerooms.

 

"The Sorell community continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the state and more and more people are looking to participate in local sport and recreation activities. This growth has been recognised by all levels of Government through significant investment to provide better facilities for people to come together and engage in sport.

 

"Taking part in sport and physical activity helps deliver healthy bodies and reduces the risk of disease, and we are committed to providing high-quality sporting infrastructure for local communities."

 

Ms White said top-class sporting facilities such as this are vital for regional communities as they increase participation, and often become community hubs which support social interaction and inclusion.

 

"The funding of these new lights by the Tasmanian Government and Sorell Council also reflects the value of investing in sport and recreation," Ms White said.

 

A total of 18 sporting organisations will receive more than $800,000 from Sport and Recreation Tasmania's Major Grants Program for 2011-12, which is estimated to benefit more than 21,000 Tasmanians.

 

A University of Tasmania report found sport and recreation directly contributes $819 million to the state economy each year, enabling the employment of more than 13 000 people.

 

The report also found every $1 invested in sport and recreation in Tasmania returns $4 in benefits, including saving our health system $60 million a year.

 

The full list of recipients of the Major Grants Program can be found at: www.sportandrecreation.tas.gov.au