SMART-thinking means progress at the Northern Inland Sporting Centre of Excellence can continue despite level four water restrictions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Imposed on Monday, the limit would have put a halt to any establishment of grass at the $17.2 million project.
Investment in a recycled water scheme for irrigation means the state of the art centre will meet its September deadline, project manager Mark Gardiner said.
"We've extended on that heavily in this stage of the process and that's allowed us to use that recycled or backwashed water for all of the irrigation requirements for all of the facilities," he said.
"We're in a very fortunate position out here that we're able to proceed with construction, top soil, seeding and trying to establish some grass."
The project includes an outdoor velodrome and criterium track, an outdoor arena, warm up arena and carpark.
It includes amenities at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), an athletics centre and carpark and an extension to the Tamworth Sports Dome.
Tamworth Regional Council has made a commitment to both the cycling and athletics club that the tracks will be finished in time for summer carnivals next year.
The ultra-modern facility is being built mostly by local subcontractors and attention to detail is everything, the man in charge of construction David Payne said.
The rubber on the athletics track has to be of a to-the-millimetre thickness to give all runners the same spring in their step, so that any records set in Tamworth hold up on the national stage.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce toured the facility on Tuesday, the federal government has made an $8.5 million contribution to the project.
"What this does it is gives us a very good front door to the city of Tamworth, as people come in they see the investment we've made in our sporting precinct," Mr Joyce said.
Read also:
"I believe Tamworth is a growing centre, if we want to decentralise this nation and believe people can't just live in Sydney then we have got to make sure they want to live in other areas.
"When I was at the small school sports in Attunga, the thing that motivated us to run fast was the bindi-eyes and bare feet, we've come a long way since then and that's good."
Construction on the project started in September, 2017 and will mean that Tamworth can host major sporting competitions and events.
The next stage includes upgrades to the hockey complex and additional roofs over arenas at the AELEC.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
