Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the electrical system carries a huge load during the annual Music Festival with an average of 1600 camp sites taken up by visitors.

“We get up to 4,000 to 5,000 people using the grounds during the 10 days of the Festival.

“I understand this puts a colossal load on the electrical system at Cricket House, which was built 35 years ago.

“I’m always thinking of ways we can assist our local sporting and community groups to make improvements to existing services.

“This grant from the 2018-19 Local Sport Grant Program will help Tamworth cricket cope with a really busy time of the year, where electrical failure is not acceptable.

“I want to congratulate Tamworth cricket on their successful application.

“Once the upgrade is in place campers can be assured of comfortable stay.

“This is great news as recently I announced $6,600 in funding for Central North Cricket Zone for their programs and resources for female cricketers.

“While an upgrade program for Tamworth’s cricket practice nets received a $53,675 grant.”

Tamworth cricket’s Grahame Davies said the overall cost of the upgrade is $15,000.

“But the electrical system upgrade at Cricket House will be in place before next year’s Festival visitors arrive.

“Our electrician says we’ll be in a good position and we won’t experience black-outs for when our campers arrive next year,” Davies said.