IT is great to see the Eagles Football team training on the High School oval in preparation for their 2009 season while the Purkiss Reserve facilities are currently a construction site.
The inconvenience to the BAFL teams at this stage of the season is regrettable however should be viewed as temporary, and paves the way for far greater benefit to our town’s sporting and active recreation infrastructure being developed.
The lighting on the football oval and the new surface up-grade to the basketball courts at Purkiss Reserve reflect the work started by the previous Barkly MLA, Elliot McAdam and my own continuation of such work in terms of a strong voice for Tennant Creek.
In addition, Tennant Creek will see Main Street Initiative #2 commence in the new financial year where important town beautification and up-grades will be planned and ‘rolled-out’ over the period 2009-2011.
Combined with the current sporting developments, that’s a total of $1.3 million directly invested in enhancing Tennant Creek by the NT Government.
Such projects support important public resources and positive image of our town that offers further opportunities for promoting a healthy Territory lifestyle.
The Purkiss Reserve lights herald possible night time activities for our sporting and community groups that have the far reaching potential for addressing complacency, boredom and a resulting crime rate so often experienced in small regional centres.
Who would like to start the first wet season touch football program under the new lights?
And what about basketball on a new synthetic surface for the youth of our community?
Or maybe night markets with a international food flavour that could support a performing arts project?
The only limits to such community development are the imaginations that create them!
Lifestyle is important in the Territory and a healthy lifestyle makes for social and cultural cohesion.
The Government has provided us with more lifestyle opportunities and the question is now down to who wants to ‘step up to the plate’ and run with them.
As the Minister for Transport I would like to conclude with an important message on lifestyle and its critical relationship to safety and in the Barkly region: road, rail and marine safety during the Easter holiday period.
At this time you will see cars, trucks, motor cycles, boats and jet skis all being serviced for the mass exodus into the wilderness for the traditional Easter break and it is my ambition to see all Territorians return home safely—and in one piece!
Safety on our roads, crossing our rail corridor and operating water craft on our rivers and saltwater country is everyone’s responsibility and that starts with the responsible use of alcohol!
Don’t drink and drive, and wear a seal belt when travelling in a motor vehicle, and remember that speed kills.
Plan to survive your adventure by being well prepared before you leave, manage your fatigue and act responsibly making decisions.
It’s about preventing accidents, not creating them.
Have a great Easter holiday and I look forward to further healthy lifestyle choices as we commence another spectacular dry season.
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