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The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kon Vatskalis, today presented Northern Territory Rugby Union with $30,000 to upgrade the light boxes at Austar Park.

 

Mr Vatskalis said it was another example of capital grants investing in sports infrastructure and the future of sport in the Territory.

 

“Government continues to develop our sporting facilities in the Territory, which not only improves our facilities for local competition, it also helps to attract high quality national and international competition.

 

“The lights at Austar Park are in urgent need of repair. They are a safety hazard in their current state and the Northern Territory Government is happy to help fix them,” said Mr Vatskalis.

 

“The light boxes are rusted out, and this funding will replace them and make the venue a safer place for competitors and spectators.

 

“Better facilities mean better participation and quality of competition. This is a much needed upgrade, especially with the increased participation in Friday night junior competition and the popular Hottest 7’s tournament.

 

Tim Heath, Chief Executive Officer for Northern Territory Rugby Union said the safety and operation of the field lights will add to the success of the night time competitions.

 

"The NTRU is extremely grateful for the financial support from the Northern Territory Government and the refurbishment of the lights on field one will allow us to continue to run successful night programs.

 

“Friday night junior rugby has grown 15 percent in 2006 and is showing a similar growth in 2007.

 

“The lights have seen better days and this assistance will give them a major face lift.

 

“We will be in a position to look forward to providing good quality lighting and run successful rugby programs such as the juniors and the Heineken Hottest 7's in the World."

 

Media contact: Tiffany Stodart 0401 118 411