LNP commits to $42 million funding for Rockhampton Sports Precinct
As voting day draws closer, the LNP has committed $42 million to a huge Rockhampton project, compared to Labor’s $5 million. The Premier has yet to answer whether he will match it.
Rockhampton
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In a coup for local sports fanatics, particularly netballers, the LNP has pledged $42 million to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams’ passion project - the Rockhampton Sports Precinct.
LNP Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie flew to the Beef Capital this week to announce the party’s whopping commitment to stage one of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct, if they are elected next month.
Labor’s pledge pales in comparison to the Opposition’s, with Premier Steven Miles announcing a $5 million commitment in March if reelected.
He joined Cr Williams and Rockhampton Netball Association President Simone Hitchcock to shoot some netball goals when he went over the funding for Rockhampton Regional Council to develop detailed designs, costings and gaining relevant approvals for the new multi-use sports precinct to be built at CQUniversity.
The Premier’s office and Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy have not responded to The Morning Bulletin’s enquiry about whether the party will increase it’s funding to match the LNP’s $42 million.
Stage one of the development aims to deliver a new, flood-free and contemporary home for Rockhampton netball.
The project includes sixteen outdoor hardcourts, a clubhouse, parklands and upgrades.“This will not only deliver competition-grade facilities for the Central Queensland region, but it will also ensure we are developing the next generation of Olympics and Paralympics champions,” Mr Bleijie said.
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said that the announcement was a big step forward and put the project front and centre at the State election.
“We know that for far too long netball has been struggling to juggle growing numbers with limited court space,” Cr Rutherford said.
LNP Candidate for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the precinct was an important addition because it would provide competition-grade facilities and be a hub for sport in the city for years to come.
Nigel Hutton, the LNP candidate for the seat of Keppel, where CQUniversity sits, it would be the start of a major new sports precinct to benefit the entire region and help grow grassroots sports.
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