Marchmont in Yass has received additional funding from the NSW Government as part of the latest round of the highly regarded ClubGrants program.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the NSW Government is supporting the Marchmont Crown Trust by providing $238,896 in funding to continue the redevelopment of the reserve.
“Marchmont has faced untapped potential for many years and groups like the Trust – who are driving development of communal infrastructure – play a valuable role in supporting our community and boosting our local economy. I am pleased that the NSW Government has been able support them with this funding,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
The Marchmont Racecourse Reserve has been known for its rich history of hosting polocrosse, polo, car and motorcycle racing events but today is a 33 h.a. “blank canvas” which the Marchmont Trust are developing into a multi-purpose recreation and equestrian hub with the aim to bring the community together more often.
Planning has been underway for over 12 months, with a new committee, funding for site-planning allocated and community consultation held, all working towards the Reserve’s future use.
Marchmont Trust President Ben Maguire welcomed the most recent funding announcement.
“The rain has had a real impact on our access and work that we can undertake to the site but it’s also given us great opportunity to assess what the community want and how to go about what needs to be done to make Marchmont usable.
“This funding will allow us to put the tools and expertise we have to use – and begin some work that will have a visible impact on Marchmont.
“First of all, we are removing the significant debris on site – which is going to be a large and unavoidable cost – and sorting out the old and unsafe infrastructure. We will also level the centre of the facility which will expand the usefulness of the site beyond just being a racetrack.” Mr Maguire said.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said $12.5 million is allocated to the program each year to fund projects to build or upgrade community facilities, giving special consideration to vulnerable communities and areas enduring disasters like floods.
“These grants were designed to support organisations like Yass District Cricket that have such a strong connection to their local community, enabling them to grow and continue to provide these valuable services,” Mr Anderson said.
“Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded more than 560 community projects worth more than $85 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.”
To find out more about Infrastructure Grants Program, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/responsible-gambling-grants
WENDY TUCKERMAN 