In the lead-up to the Queensland election, both the Liberal National Party (LNP) and the Labor Party have made significant commitments to fund Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena, highlighting their dedication to enhancing Mackay's community and sporting infrastructure.
The LNP, represented by candidate Nigel Dalton for Mackay and Amanda Camm for Whitsunday, pledged $23.5 million to kickstart this project.
This commitment was swiftly met with a matching pledge from Labor's Premier Steven Miles and Labor candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, in a rare moment of bipartisan support for a project that promises to bring lasting benefits to the region.
Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena is poised to transform the Mackay landscape, offering economic, social, and sporting benefits that will resonate throughout the community. By providing state-of-the-art facilities, this project aims to create jobs during both the construction and operational phases, boost local businesses, and position Mackay as a premier destination for large-scale sporting and entertainment events. The Arena is expected to attract national and international visitors, showcasing the region as a hub for significant events. Moreover, it will offer elite athletes and grassroots sporting organisations access to world-class infrastructure, fostering local talent and enhancing community engagement.
Ms Hassan said it had been a project that local Labor candidates had been advocating for since day one.
“To see it being backed by both sides of government is a fantastic achievement for our region,” she said.
Ms Hassan further highlighted its potential role in the upcoming Olympics.
“We know that both BB Print stadium and the Great Barrier Reef Arena have been listed on the Olympic site as potential training venues when the Olympics does come to Queensland.
“We just can't understate the importance of the Great Barrier Reef Arena to this region.”
Jarrod Bleijie MP and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm highlighted the increasing recognition of the potential impact of the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Mr. Bleijie said, "This investment will boost grassroots sport participation in the Mackay region" and added, "It will give Queensland the fresh start it needs."
Alongside this pivotal project, both parties have made additional funding commitments to further enhance the region's sporting facilities. The LNP has promised $450,000 to improve lighting at the North Mackay Saints AFL Club, allowing for more night matches and benefiting over 600 players and their supporters. It also promised to help fund an all-weather bowling green shade structure as part of the renovations at the Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls club if elected later this month.
LNP MP for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm said the Club supported more than 30 community and sporting groups as well as eight schools in the Mackay and Northern Beaches area and deserved to offer weatherproof activities.
“This $500 000 commitment will allow this fantastic club to offer more playing hours, in all-weather to help more residents enjoy the community atmosphere,” said Ms Camm.
“The club is currently undertaking major renovations to the clubhouse which will expand their capacity to help service the community.
“The LNP commitment to help fund the bowling shade structure will allow them to expand their capacity with the sport as well”, Ms Camm stated.
Manager of the club, Doug Dalley welcomed the announcement.
“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,” said Mr Dalley.
Additionally, the LNP has pledged $1.6 million for shade protection over Mackay’s netball courts, a commitment that Amanda Camm highlighted as crucial for player safety.
“Considering we live in the tropics where players are exposed to high UV levels, this funding is of huge benefit for all players across Mackay and the Whitsundays.”
The funding will cover four courts, benefiting approximately 1,600 regular competition players.
“With this announcement, Mackay netball players will be able to shoot for success and play safely, even under our harsh sun,” Mr Dalton said.
Labor has also promised $3.2 million for upgrades to BB Print Stadium, which include enhancements to accessibility features and parking. Additionally, Labor has pledged $1.5 million to Mackay Hockey for an indoor hockey stadium and Centre of Excellence for North Queensland.
Belinda Hassan, Labor candidate for Mackay, and LNP candidate Nigel Dalton, have announced key sporting initiatives and funding commitments for the Mackay region. Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
