Sir – Alice Springs athletics is to receive a much-needed budget boost with the Territory Government providing funding for a new, first class track. $2m has been dedicated to the project as part of Budget 2015.
The Government is committed to providing access to the best possible sporting facilities for Territorians. This investment is all about getting people active and making it easier for locals to compete on high quality grounds.
This infrastructure is a significant step forward for athletics in the Red Centre with the new track available for school athletics carnivals and the Alice Springs Masters Games.
The new national standard track will be only the second in the Northern Territory.
The Alice Springs track will be built at Rhonda Diano Oval (pictured) in Head Street, Braitling, and will include a 400 metre track with eight lanes, and track and field event facilities as well as oval fencing.
The finer details will be worked out with Alice Springs Town Council but it is a wonderful decision for Alice Springs, a boost for Central Australia and will be a great asset for local athletics organisations and schools.
Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan said: “Alice Springs Town Council welcomes this wonderful opportunity for athletics clubs, schools and community groups to access a new athletics track.”
Adam Giles
Chief Minister
Gary Higgins
Minister for Sport and Recreation