Rugby union
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WAGGA'S talented rugby union players will be under even more spotlight after a $25,000 grant was secured for further lighting developments of the Conolly Rugby Complex.
The $25,000 will be used for lighting for the fourth ground at the complex and is in addition to the $17,500 grant received last December that will be used for perimeter fencing.
It is believed that work will start at the new development after the current Southern Inland Rugby Union season and it is hoped the ground will be ready for the 2015 season.
Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire handed out the grant as part of $120,000 delivered to the electorate under the Sport and Recreation Participation and Facility program.
Wagga City Council committed $200,000 to the project last year with Southern Inland to match that figure with other grants and voluntary labour.
Maguire said there has been a "desperate need" for investment in existing sporting infrastructure.
"This will be a great asset for the city and the region and attract more regional games and national games and I'm sure that will benefit," Maguire said.
"It has been a grand vision of rugby to improve the facility as this grant basically finishes our contribution and finishes the precinct."
Southern Inland Rugby manager Mick McTaggart was amazed they were able to receive another grant
"I'm over the moon and its really out of the blue as we thought after we got the grant for the fencing before Christmas that would be it as we expected only to get the one," McTaggart said.
"I think it gives everyone a boost and we've already had a good meeting with council and there is a good relationship with them and we are looking forward to building a new project.
"I think if we do it right, which I'm sure we will, Wagga will be really proud of the whole precinct."
The fourth field at the complex with give the expanding Wagga Juniors more room and McTaggart hasn't ruled out turning the ground into the focal point of the complex with changing rooms and a clubhouse ideas for the future.
As part of the lastest round of facility grants Lockhart Football Netball Club received $25,000 for the installation of two netball courts, East Wagga-Kooringal Football and Netball Clun recieved $8750 for an lighting upgrade to existing netball courts, $21,890 wil be poured into upgrading the Ladysmith tennis courts and to install a multi-purpose court and Tumut Shire Council received $25,000 for the installation of a fitness trail.