Mackay Netball says new courts ‘critical’ for Great Barrier Reef Arena Stage 2

New facilities proposed as part of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s Stage 2 upgrades are “critical” for the future of Mackay netball, according to the association.

New facilities promised as part of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s proposed Stage 2 “critical” for the future of Mackay netball.

After years of “substandard” courts and stands, potential major investment at Harrup Park’s Great Barrier Reef Arena offers a hopeful future for Mackay netballers.

Mackay Netball Association chair Alison Bugeja said the region’s players had “been making do” with the outdoor courts in South Mackay “for far too long”.

Ms Bugeja said there are not enough courts to host state netball carnivals and, with no indoor courts, teams are forced to jostle for a single facility leased from Mackay Basketball.

“The GBRA Development is the perfect solution,” she said.

Alison Bugeja and Emma Bugeja

“GBRA Stage 2 will make it possible for local athletes to train in a high-quality environment, preparing them for state, national and potentially international stages.

“We also have an amazing opportunity with the introduction of the new Ruby North competition to capitalise on our sport’s popularity and create wonderful opportunities for our region’s participants.”

The Ruby North competition is a new league that will include the Mackay Monarchs, Far North Flames (Cairns), as well as an as yet unnamed team from Townsville and Central Queensland.

Netball Queensland general manager Glenn Dennis said the Ruby North league would “create competitive netball opportunities within the region that allow athletes to live and play at home for longer”.

“We know the talent exists in the regions to make the competition strong and successful,” Mr Dennis said.

The Sarina Netball committee has built more than just a winning culture but also a strong club filled with empowered and driven competitors who continue to light the torch of netball within the Mackay Region. Picture: Sarina Netball

Dawson MP Andrew Willcox said he was in “full support” of GBRA Stage 2 and “will be fighting” to secure Commonwealth funding to ensure the region’s sports stars have access to a world class facility.

“With the Olympic Games coming to Queensland in 2032, investing in regional sporting arenas, such as the Great Barrier Reef Arena will play a crucial part in developing talent and attracting international competition to our region,” Mr Willcox said.

“Mackay has already successfully hosted the Australia A v New Zealand A test match, the Sheffield Shield game and the AFLW game all at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, and investing in further development for this facility is a no brainer.

“People might come for the games, but they’ll stay for the reef trips, the islands, and the rainforests we have to offer. It’s a win for everyone who live and work in our beautiful part of the country.”

Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm said she would continue to advocate for more and improved regional sport infrastructure across her electorate.

“I think it is particularly important in the lead up to the Olympics that regional towns get their fair share of the sporting infrastructure funding that will be on offer,” Ms Camm said.

The Daily Mercury has reached out to Julie-Anne Gilbert to ask whether they would support state funds being used for the stage two upgrades, but she did not respond prior to publication.