MAJOR UPGRADES AT CENTENNIAL PARK SECURE BENEFITS FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
Centennial Park is now greener and better equipped to unearth the next generation of elite athletes following the completion of two major projects.
More than 200 native gum trees have been planted as part of a major regeneration project to create a native urban forest, while a completed $4.8 million upgrade of the E.S Marks athletics field will give local juniors state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the two projects underlined the Perrottet Government’s commitment to give young people every opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle and create a city within a park.
“Our public spaces belong to everyone and it’s important that they not only give families a place to gather and play, but also support our native plants and animals to thrive,” Mr Stokes said.
“These two projects mean our youngest citizens will have a facility that can transform them into future sporting stars and a green oasis in the heart of the city to enjoy for many years to come.”
Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said Centennial Parklands is a National Heritage Listed precious green space for Eastern Suburbs residents.
“I have spent almost all of my life living close by to the Parklands. I am so pleased that the pine trees planted throughout the 1960s that are reaching the end of their life are now finally being replaced by native gums,” Ms Upton said.
“Centennial Parklands is home to more than 16,000 trees, cared for and nurtured by expert arborists. This new planting will help restore the Parkland’s natural biodiversity.”
Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane said that the new native urban forest in the heart of the city will be a wonderful space for the local community.
“This is the biggest planting undertaken at Centennial Parklands, breathing new into this area of the park, and in time will see a thriving urban forest for all to enjoy,” Ms Sloane said.
Liberal candidate for Coogee Dr Kylie von Muenster said the E.S Marks Athletics Field upgrade included a new World Athletics certified 400m synthetic track, high and long jump areas, new all-weather fields and courts and better lighting for night-time use.
“E.S Marks Athletics Field is a 115-year-old institution that has hosted some of our greatest athletes including Cathy Freeman and Matt Shirvington. These works mean it will continue to support our best athletes for generations,” Dr von Muenster said.
“Local families, schools, community clubs and sporting teams are the big winners. Better lighting at E.S Marks means more night-time access to Australia’s largest community athletics field, while the removal of a section of the southern grandstand will allow safer pedestrian and car movements during school carnivals and events.”
“After a number of school carnivals at the Athletics Field with my daughters, I know how much local kids will appreciate having state-of-the-art facilities that will make them feel like athletic superstars – and hopefully inspire a few future Olympians.”
MEDIA:
Alex Cauchi | Minister Stokes | 0436 443 737
