Millions in funding pledged on Fraser Coast as sport becomes election playing field

After a $3m dollar upgrade of Eskdale Park was promised by the Federal Government, the LNP has made its own commitments to sporting groups on the Fraser Coast.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien said the investment would help ensure the hockey association could meet the growing demand and provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that supported the needs of local players, families, and the wider community.

Sport has become a major playing field on the Fraser Coast as the federal election campaign continues.

After a Labor promise to upgrade Maryborough’s Eskdale Park to the tune of $3m, a series of commitments to Fraser Coast sporting organisations from the LNP have also been made.

That included a $2m investment for the Maryborough and District Hockey Association to upgrade its facilities.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the investment would help ensure the association could meet the growing demand and provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that supported the needs of local players, families, and the wider community.

“Maryborough and District Hockey started back in 1932 and has grown to nearly 400 members who play social and competitive hockey throughout the year,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Built in 1985, parts of the stadium have reached the end of their life and need to be upgraded, including the roof, kitchen, bar, and changerooms, and anyone who has been inside on a hot day knows that airconditioning is needed for player and spectator comfort.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien said the investment would help ensure the hockey association could meet the growing demand and provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that supported the needs of local players, families, and the wider community.

“I’ve had strong feedback from the Maryborough community about the need for improvements to cater for the growing number of people of all ages who want to play hockey and attract state, national and international squads to Maryborough to train and compete, as well as to make the facility a multi-use space for the wider community,” Mr O’Brien said.

The indoor stadium is also used by pickleball players, dance teams, soccer squads, and other community groups regularly.

The project will involve building a new grandstand and facilities for players and officials, upgrades to the outdoor artificial playing surface, clubhouse improvements, including upgrades to the kitchen and bar areas and the men’s and women’s amenities as well as upgrades to the indoor stadium, including roof repairs, and airconditioning.

In addition, the LNP has made a $49,000 commitment to fund an upgrade to change rooms and facilities at the Maryborough Australian Football Club.

Mr O’Brien said the funding would create female friendly amenities at the Maryborough Bears clubhouse in Granville to accommodate the growth of women and girls who want to get involved in playing AFL.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the funding would create female friendly amenities at the Maryborough Bears clubhouse in Granville to accommodate the growth of women and girls who want to get involved in playing AFL.

“The Maryborough Bears have around 130 members and field six teams, from Auskick through to seniors,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Female participation numbers have been steadily increasing and there is now a fairly even mix of male and female players in the junior and senior teams.

“The clubhouse amenities urgently need an upgrade to improve privacy and accessibility and to ensure that the club can comply with the AFLQ governing body’s requirements for girl’s programs.”

“The growing popularity of AFLW is having a fantastic impact on grassroots football, with a big increase in women and girls wanting to get involved,” Maryborough Bears President Nathan Dahan said.

“The club has developed a five-year plan to guide our future growth, and our Pathways to Equality initiative focuses on the need to improve our facilities so we can attract and retain female players and officials.”

Hinkler’s LNP candidate David Batt also announced two commitments this week.

That included $107,700 to help Burrum District Golf Club install an automatic irrigation system.

Mr Batt said the funding would significantly improve the course, which has more than 130 members, as well as players from the entire Wide Bay District who visit for tournaments and championship golf.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the funding would create female friendly amenities at the Maryborough Bears clubhouse in Granville to accommodate the growth of women and girls who want to get involved in playing AFL.

“At present, all ground staff are volunteers so manually preparing and watering the entire course is a huge effort that just isn’t sustainable and burns out the dedicated volunteers,” Mr Batt said.

Burrum District Golf Club President Ian Anderson said the club had applied for various funding for many years in a row without success.

“Any good golf course relies on its surface which is water and soil, but our current watering system is archaic and requires expensive repairs,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s too hands on for our volunteers and has too much water wastage, with water going in the wrong areas.”

In addition, the LNP has made a $49,000 commitment to funding an upgrade to the change rooms and facilities at the Maryborough Australian football Club.

Under a newly elected LNP, $58,000 was also committed to build accessible bathrooms and a ramp at the Burgowan Bowls Club in Torbanlea.

The upgrades, totalling $64,825, will clear part of the site to enable construction of a ramp to the clubhouse deck and to build bathrooms with all-ability access as well as providing support structures for an upper deck and roof.

LNP candidate for Hinkler David Batt announced the funding commitment while inspecting the club facilities with members and players.

“Burgowan Bowls Club has been trying to attract funding for all-ability access and facilities for a long time without success, so I’m really pleased to commit this funding, which will enable bowlers and visitors with limited mobility a chance to stay active, play bowls and be part of the club community,” Mr Batt said.

“It is so important for people to be able to participate in sport and socialise in a club setting but if you are on a wheelie walker, wheelchair or walking aid, without ramps and easy access facilities, you can be isolated, which is not good enough in this day and age.”

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Originally published as Millions in funding pledged on Fraser Coast as sport becomes election playing field