Mackay Set To Benefit From LNP’s $5.9m Community Facility Upgrades

The LNP has pledged a total of $5.9 million to improve key community facilities in Mackay, including $1.6 million for shaded netball courts, $3 million for upgrades at local high schools, $500,000 for an all-weather bowling green at Northern Beaches Bowls Club, and $800,000 for expanded parking at Mackay Football Park.

The Mackay Netball Association will benefit from safer shaded courts if the LNP is elected on October 26, with a $1.6 million investment to build shade protection over four courts. This will support the 1,600 players from the 14 teams that regularly use Mackay’s netball courts.

LNP Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and LNP candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton made the announcement, emphasising the need for covered courts in Mackay due to high UV levels and wet weather.

“Mackay Netball Association has been doing their own fundraising, but it’s a hard slog, getting the funding needed to cover their court,” said Ms Camm.

Mr Dalton added, “With this announcement, Mackay netball players will be able to shoot for success and play safely, even under our harsh sun.”

In addition to netball, the LNP announced $3 million in funding for Mackay State High School and Mackay North State High School. The funding will support a new assembly hall with air-conditioning at Mackay State High School and a new tuckshop at Mackay North State High School.

Mr Dalton highlighted that the 1,200 students at Mackay State High School currently meet in a cramped, un-air-conditioned assembly hall.

“Queenslanders need a fresh start, and this funding commitment of $3 million is part of restoring a government that educates young Queenslanders, boosts our skills training facilities and puts more teachers in our schools.

“I’ve spent the last 20 years interacting with students in our high schools and I know they need far more attention than they are getting,” Mr Dalton said.

The LNP also committed $500,000 to fund an all-weather bowling green shade structure at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, which supports over 30 community and sporting groups.

Club Manager Doug Dalley welcomed the announcement, saying, “Having an all-weather bowling green will enable the club to offer more playing hours, on more playing days and also allow the club to become more inclusive and offer more school bowling programs.”

Further, the LNP promised to upgrade the car park at Mackay Football Park, home to junior football in Glenella, with an $800,000 investment. Dalton pointed out that the facility’s 24 fields are used by all four junior football clubs in the area, but the current parking situation is inadequate and unsafe.

Mr Dalton said, “This is something that Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast has been concerned about and they’ve worked with Mackay Regional Council to get the approvals in place so that they can expand their car park.”

“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”

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The LNP has committed $5.9 million to boost Mackay’s community facilities, with $1.6 million for shaded netball courts, $3 million for school upgrades, $500,000 for an all-weather bowling green, and $800,000 for expanded parking at Mackay Football Park. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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