Nationals promise $2m for Derwent Valley projects

National Party election candidate Deanna Hutchinson, left, and
Senator Steve Martin with New Norfolk Cricket Club president
Jamie Hill at Willow Court.

FUNDING for four projects in the Derwent Valley was announced this morning by Tasmanian Senator Steve Martin and Lyons candidate Deanna Hutchinson.

Senator Martin said the four projects totalling $2.1m would would go ahead if the Nationals win government at next month's Federal election.

The funding announcement was made at Willow Court, which Senator Martin said would benefit from $500,000 for improvements to site access, infrastructure and parking.

“We are also investing $500,000 for Stage 2 of the New Norfolk [Esplanade] Revitalisation, which includes landscaping, lighting, a playground, further trails, pedestrian safety measures and the rehabilitation of the New Norfolk Pool surrounds,” Senator Martin said.

"In a boost for young locals, the Nationals in Government are committing a further $500,000 for the redevelopment of Derwent Valley PCYC, including gyms spaces, change rooms, meeting rooms and the kitchen.

“$600,000 will fund the redevelopment of the Tynwald Park sports facility. The project includes the development of a new pavilion including change rooms, toilets, a canteen and a community function space."

“Lyons Nationals candidate Deanna Hutchinson and I have been working hard listening to regional Tasmanian communities and delivering the funding they need to make key projects like these a reality. This is part of our agenda of getting a fair share for regional Tasmania and a concrete  example of the Nationals in Government putting locals first,” he said.



New Norfolk Cricket Club president Jamie Hill was with Senator Martin at today's announcement and said the funding was "huge" for the Derwent Valley. "It doesn't only benefit our cricket club but it benefits the junior soccer club and the junior football club as well," Mr Hill said.

"With female sports coming along like they have been recently, currently we don't have facilities to allow for growth in that area. So for girls and women wanting to play cricket and football and soccer, that's going to mean a huge amount to us," he said.

Senator Martin said this election commitment from the Nationals was about getting a fair share in strengthening communities in Tasmania. A spokesman for the senator said the projects would need to be "ticked off" by the incoming Federal Government.

Posting on Facebook, Derwent Valley mayor Ben Shaw said he was overseas and unable to attend the announcement, but it was appreciated by the community.