A Shorten Labor Government will invest $1 million to upgrade Cooks Square Park, to bring Maitland Football Club’s home ground up to National Premier League standards and better cater for female participation and players with disability.

The project includes a new building with amenities, a club room, change sheds, referees room, equipment room and canteen, along with a suspended roof to provide a raised viewing area for spectators.

Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Don Farrell, said this announcement is another example of Labor’s commitment to give Australians a fair go at sport, whether they play to keep active, or with the dream to one day represent Australia.

“By supporting local, grassroots sporting clubs like the Maitland Football Club we’re helping the millions of Australians who volunteer at their local clubs to give even more boys and girls, men and women the chance to play sport and enjoy its many benefits,” Senator Farrell said.

Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, made the million dollar announcement at the 2019 season launch for Maitland FC, acknowledging the board’s professionalism, positive club culture and community engagement.

“Since I was elected in 2016, Cooks Square Park has been one of my priorities for Maitland. I’ve spoken with several groups about the grounds and I’m continuously told the club doesn’t have the facilities to reach it’s potential,” Ms Swanson said.

“I put the case very strongly to the Labor Party, and thanks to the tireless work of the Magpies community and my state colleague, the Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison, I am so proud to announce a Shorten Labor Government has committed $1 million to fully fund stage one of the two-part upgrades to Cooks Square Park.”

THURSDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2019