Labor promises Rex Jackson Park lighting

Heathcote Labor candidate at the State election, Maryanne Stuart said the Tigers will have a safer ground if her party is elected on March 23.

THE Helensburgh Tigers and grass roots sport are the big winners after Labor announced $200,000 to upgrade lighting at their home field, Rex Jackson Park and complete their amenity upgrade.

Officials from the Helensburgh Tigers have confirmed that players are getting injured after playing and training at night with poor lighting.

Heathcote Labor candidate at the NSW election, Maryanne Stuart said the Tigers will have safe grounds to run out on if her party is victorious at the March 23 poll.

“I want the club to be proud of their facilities,” she said.

“When they go to other grounds and see what other clubs have they feel neglected. If we’re going to keep turning out great Illawarra athletes, we need to make sure have real local investment in them and the facilities they train on.”

Labor’s commitment to upgrade the lights at Rex Jackson Parks follows the NSW Liberals decision to exclude Helensburgh from recent pools of sports grants. Ms Stuart said the Liberals have neglected Helensburgh for eight years and the decision to exclude Wollongong LGA from regional sports grants has added insult to injury.

Labor’s Sport spokesperson, Lynda Voltz said the upgrade of Rex Jackson Park will be funded from a $100 million Regional Community Catch-Up fund.