Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields and Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders have officially opened the new Dave Martin cricket nets, and the renewed John McGrath Cricket pitches at Bob Dowling Oval in Dubbo.
The installation of the new cricket nets now means local cricket enthusiastic have access to six (6) synthetic cricket nets, an expansion from four (4). The 6 new nets have been constructed to meet Cricket Australia standards – community level, with 2 nets designed specifically for spin bowling, allowing the ball to move around. All 6 nets have been line marked to conform to recommended pitch lengths for each age division and accommodate a variety of participants.
The overall project also included the renewal of the John McGrath cricket pitches that now meet Cricket Australia standards for synthetic wickets, one of only two synthetic pitches in Dubbo that meet these standards. The new pitches are also line marked to conform to recommended pitch lengths for each age division, therefore suitable to be used for both junior and senior cricket competition.
Councillor Shields said this project will improve the existing sport and recreation offering in the region.
“Sport and recreation facilities are a fundamental part of community life in the Dubbo Region. After speaking with council staff it’s great to hear this facility is already heavily booked for the coming cricket season,” said Councillor Shields.
The whole project was jointly funded by Dubbo Regional Council ($86,405), the New South Wales Government via the T20 Legacy Fund ($98,900), and Australia Cricket Infrastructure Fund ($49,450).
Local Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the T20 Legacy Fund has made huge contributions to cricket across the state.
“The Women’s T20 World Cup was a wonderful event for Australia, and one of the great things to come from it is the Legacy Fund established by the NSW Government, which we are using to boost cricket across the state,” Mr Saunders said.
“These new nets, and the new pitches at John McGrath Ovals, will be game changers for the town’s cricketers at both a junior and senior level and further adds to the quality facilities available in Dubbo.”
This project was completed by local contractors, including Dubbo based Glen Healey Constructions, Central West Gates and Fencing and Classic Sporting Surfaces Dubbo.
Source: DRC