Flanked by deputy leader of the Nationals Fiona Nash yesterday, member for New England Barnaby Joyce announced the funding commitment that would see the construction of a new synthetic athletics track and a 400 metre velodrome and criterium circuit in the Longyard precinct.

Also included are extensions to the Tamworth Sports Dome with new administration rooms and an extra indoor sport facility.

The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre won’t be left behind either with plans for a 100 metre by 100 metre sand-based arena for dressage, eventing and show jumping events.

Known as the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence, the finished product according to Tamworth Regional Council projections is expected to rake in an estimated cash flow of $28.86 million over 10 years. The centre was labelled as “shovel ready” after being given the green light by council earlier this year.

Council hopes the state government would come to the table to provide an additional $4 million in funding.

Local cyclist Tori Saunders voiced her support for the announcement of the new velodrome.

“The velodrome here is so important to us, without things like this so many people like myself wouldn’t have been able to get to where we are.

“It’s so hard in regional areas, there’s no way I could have made it to junior worlds (championships) last year without facilities like this.”

Acting mayor Russell Webb said the $17.2 million project would allow council to sell off its under-utilised assets, including Federation Park, for industrial use and the old velodrome for commercial use.

“The old athletics track, which is currently being used, will be replaced by a fully synthetic track.

“That can be sold and used for commercial purposes as well, ” Cr Webb said.

“This will make Tamworth the ideal place for anyone who is playing any sport to come to, should it be at a local level, state, national or international.

“Sport is so important to our community. Here in Tamworth we have a reputation for nurturing sports men and women at every level.

“It is perhaps going to be one of the best regional sporting facilities not only in NSW, but in the nation.”

Mr Joyce said the new facility was of great importance for dressage, cycling and little athletics.

“It builds on the back of the great sports men and women who have come from this city,” Mr Joyce said.

“This goes to show the sort of delivery we are 

making.”