Campbelltown Council’s applications for funding under the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund were rejected because they did not meet the criteria
A spokesperson for the NSW Office of Sport, who are responsible for administering the scheme, says that despite that, the Macarthur region did well, receiving almost $10 million in grants.
The NSW Office of Sport were responding to robust criticism of the scheme from Labor MPs and Campbelltown Council in an article published in the South West Voice last week.
The critics said the grants were being rorted for political reasons, with Labor seats such as Campbelltown missing out.
Campbelltown Council was seeking funding for upgrades to Lynwood Park, pictured above.
“Expressions of Interest (EOI) lodged for Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund are assessed by a Grant Assessment Panel against the fund’s objectives and assessment criteria and also consider the spread of projects by Greater Sydney Districts,’’ the spokesperson told the South West Voice.
“The process is overseen by an Independent Probity Officer.
“Campbelltown Council lodged one EOI in Round 1 and two EOIs in Round 2,’’ the spokesperson said.
“The applications didn’t meet the Grant Assessment Panel’s criteria for progression.
“Almost $10 million from the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund’s first two rounds are providing Macarthur residents with new and upgraded facilities to participate in sport and recreation.
“During round one of the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund $5 million was provided for Narellan Sport Hub and $2.2 million for the Wilton Reserve Recreation Master Plan.
“During round two of the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund $2.79m was provided for the expansion of Kirkham Park Sports Precinct which will provide an international class competitive and recreational off-road bicycle precinct,’’ the spokesperson said.
