Out on the hustings on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce met with the Armidale Rams committee to score a few election goals amongst the local Rugby League community.
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He also voiced his opinion on the importance of local media to democracy.
Mr Joyce said the coalition government had committed $600,000 to improve amenities at the Armidale Rams Rugby League Club which it would deliver once elected.
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The money was to ensure Rugby League Park has safer, more accessible and fit-for-purpose facilities, Mr Joyce said.
Rams president Jess Smith said the grand stand was built in the 1970's.
"You'd have to see the existing change rooms and facilities to see how bad they are," she said.
"We just want to bring it up to the modern day really."
The existing public toilet block will be demolished once the funding is received.
"The current canteen, which is actually a garden shed, will be moved and there'll be a new modular building that's got new public toilets, male and female referees rooms, new home and away change rooms and a new canteen," she said.
The building will be manufactured and installed by the local company Uniplan Group.
"I've been working with them on the plans and they have been very generous with their time and effort," Ms Smith said.
Mr Joyce said the club was important to the Armidale community in many ways and required updated change facilities and amenities to continue serving more than 13 teams, schools, other sporting groups and matches.
"I am proud to announce this commitment that will not only benefit the Armidale Rams of today, but all of our budding rugby league stars for generations to come," he said.
"The Armidale Rams has been committed to making this project a reality for almost two years now, and today all their efforts have been rewarded.
"The development of Rugby League Park here in Armidale will provide enormous ongoing economic benefits to the local community, by enabling the club to host higher level competitions, large community events and catering for the need of every player, official and supporter.
Mr Joyce also commended Ms Smith for her' tireless efforts in making sure this great club wasn't left behind
"And continues to move forward in-line with the current boom of female participation in the great sport of Rugby League," he said.
Because of COVID, regional Australia has never been a more attractive place to live for millions of Australians, Mr Joyce said.
He was then asked if he would back government support to help keep regional newspapers printing.
The Deputy Prime Minister said he was "not going to announce it on the fly" but noted the government had done this in the past and saw regional media as vital for the community.
"You can't have a democracy even in regard to local government levels unless you've got investigative journalism," he said.
"You mightn't like them all the time but they're vitally important for getting the stories out."
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