Devonport’s new Meercroft Park Facility has been officially opened by Federal Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce MP, Deputy Premier of Tasmania the Hon. Jeremy Rockliff MP and Mayor of Devonport, Annette Rockliff.
The new facility was made possible by $1.5 million in funding by all tiers of government, as well as Football Tasmania and the Devonport Junior Soccer Association.
Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff says there are new change rooms and toilets that are accessible for all abilities, coupled with a meeting room and canteen resources. Council provided the land and the supplies to manage the project – they will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance.
“Council is pleased to see this facility already being utilised by the hundreds of junior soccer goers and also running groups and athletics training,” Rockliff said.
“Meercroft Park can now cater for state and national sporting events and will host the 2021 Devonport Cup this June long weekend, which attracts thousands of visitors to the region. We already have a record 85 teams from around the state competing.”
Devonport Junior Soccer Association patron Mike Gaffney was a catalyst behind securing the $1.5 million in funding for the club.
“With more than 900 competitors in this year’s junior soccer roster, the new facility will not only be advantageous for the local community, but may also attract national and potentially international competitions,” Gaffney said.
Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce MP, said the Federal Government is committed to supporting the region’s sporting communities, adding $1 million in funding to the facility.
“With the growth of soccer across the North-West Coast, Meercroft Park is a popular weekend destination for our junior soccer players,” Pearce said.
“The Federal Government is proud to support this important community asset, which will not only benefit the region’s strong participation in junior soccer, but our next generation of athletes.”
Deputy Premier the Hon. Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government is proud to give over $450,000 to the project, under the Levelling the Playing Field Grant Program.
“We are committed to increasing opportunities for participation in sport and active recreation in our regional communities, and the new Meerfcroft Park facility is an added bonus to an already popular sporting precinct,” Mr Rockliff said.
The Devonport Junior Soccer Association contributed $40,000 and Football Tasmania provided $10,000 to the project.
