David Crisafulli confirms stage 2 of Great Barrier Reef Arena upgrades ahead of Olympic Games

Mackay could be one step closer to landing Olympic cricket as David Crisafulli confirmed state stadium funding, though several factors still hang in the balance.

Mackay MP Nigel Dalton and Premier David Crisafulli displayed their cricket skills at Great Barrier Reef Arena following a press conference on Friday, May 30

The prospect of Mackay hosting Olympic games has risen with funding slated for a major sporting venue, though several factors still hang in the balance.

Premier David Crisafulli confirmed during a press conference at Harrup Park on Friday the state’s election commitment to contribute half of the $47 million for stage two of the Great Barrier Reef Arena with the hopes Mackay could host cricket at the 2032 Olympic games.

He had spent the previous night meeting with local residents to discuss the plans.

Mr Crisafulli called for the federal government to look into the project while adding that stadium developments in the state’s south east would be “complementary”.

“If we get it right in the capital, we can drive content into the regions for generations,” he said.

Premier David Crisafulli speaking beside Adrian Young (CEO Harrup Park, Shelly Welsh (Mackay Netball) and MP Nigel Dalton announcing the state’s confirmed commitment to the stage 2 GBRA upgrades

“I would really like to see the federal government contribute because it would take the redevelopment to the next level. But with or without Canberra, we are making that contribution.

“But we also want to see cricket included in the games and we’re fighting pretty hard for that and nothing would please me more than to do it here at Harrup Park.”

CEO of Harrup Park, Adrian Young said broader facility upgrades such as adding metal hallowed lighting around the arena were essential to hosting cricket on the world stage.

“The overlay for the Olympics will be significantly larger than what we’ve been able to achieve in the past,” he said.

It follows the announcement of several major sporting events such as two One Day Internationals between South Africa and Australia as well as the U19 India Vs Australia cricket games being played at GBRA this year.

Premier David Crisafulli said getting it right in the city would benefit the regional sporting communities.

The Gold Coast Suns will once again be bringing women’s football to Mackay in 2025, with this year’s AFLW fixture announced on Friday.

The Suns will be making the trek up to Great Barrier Reef Arena to take on the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, October 19.

With the first bounce slated for 4.05pm and a weekend timeslot, it shapes up as an ideal scenario for getting families out to see some elite women’s sport.

It’s the fifth year in a row that Mackay has hosted the Suns for an AFLW fixture, with the region boasting two current Suns squad members in Lauren Bella and Wallis Randell.

The Premier stopped past Sarina in his Mackay visit, paying homage to the Sarina Cane Toad to commiserate Queensland’s State of Origin loss on Wednesday.

@david.crisafulli.mp At least we have Game 2 #qld#queensland#sarina#origin♬ original sound - David Crisafulli

Mr Crisafulli said that regional cities like Mackay would benefit from the $250 million Games On! Program to enhance grassroots sporting culture adding that Queensland’s decentralised state creates a huge benefit for the regions.

“I look at many of the other places across the country and they’re basically a capital city with some afterthoughts, where there’s an amazing patchwork of vibrant centres that all have something that contributes,” he said.

“Those programs will continue to be a role in program, but rest assured, you’re getting your fair share.”