THE Moree Water Park is well on its way to becoming a state-of-the-art water sport facility, after receiving a $140,000 donation on Friday.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall presented the money to the groundskeeper, Moree Water Ski Club
“This morning, I am pleased to announce further investment of funding from the State Government,” he said.
The hefty donation will come from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, which will be used to improve the grounds. Mr Marshall praised Moree Council for their help to secure the donation.
“I would like to acknowledge Mayor Katrina Humphries: council have played a key role working with the ski club.”
Cr Humphries picked up the thread.
“A big thank you to the volunteers. The grounds have been run on volunteers, on their kind and generous work. The sky is the limit at this place.”
Moree Water Ski Club president James VonDrehnen said the money would be used to attract more people to the grounds.
“We want to give greater access to the community.”
Mr VonDrehnen admitted one of the biggest obstacles to accessibility was peripheral vandalism in the area.
“We have had locks smashed and general vandalism around the grounds. That’s why we can’t leave the gates open at all times, only at certain hours on some days.”
The gates will shortly be upgraded to automatically open and close at predetermined times, increasing accessibility to the site and cutting down on labour.
The donation couldn’t have arrived at a better time, as the Moree Water Ski Club is busy preparing the grounds for a water ski championship in 2019.
“The club plans to host a number of state title and national championship events over the coming years, bringing hundreds of people to town, sending more money into the local community,” said Mr VonDrehnen.
The funding will serve a two pronged purpose, not only updating the local water sport ground, but also aid construction of Mehi Beach.
”It will be a 200 metre stretch, with sand and plenty of shelter,” said Mr VonDrehnen.
The beach will only be open to swimmers and non-powered watercraft, with maintenance falling completely on volunteers.
“We have invested more than $150,00 into this project, which will benefit the community.”
Mr VonDrehnen is grateful for the donations and support.
“The club is always aiming to infinity and beyond.”
