Mackay, Walkerston, Rockhampton sport clubs get $5m federal election commitment

As the election approaches, the LNP has announced over $5 million in funding for sporting clubs across the Dawson and Capricornia electorates, including investments in women’s sport. See where the money is going.

Across the Dawson and Capricornia electorates the coalition have pledged more than $5m to three sporting clubs to support their expansion and growth.

Across the Dawson and Capricornia electorates the Coalition has pledged more than $5m to three sporting clubs to support their expansion and growth.

In Mackay, Dawson MP Andrew Wilcox announced $1.9m for the Magpies Sporting Club to deliver new changerooms, kitchen and a canteen area.

Magpies general manager Mitch Milanovic said the upgrades were focused around accommodating the growth of female sports at the club.

“The amenities block itself was built over 10 years ago, at the time female sports wasn’t as strong … it’s really taken off in the last couple of years,” Mr Milanovic said.

The new amenities will service female AFL and cricket teams, as well as provide new amenities for umpires of these sports.

Magpies Sporting Club has lodged plans to Mackay Regional Council to almost double the club's footprint. This is what the exterior of the club after the completion of Stages 1 and 2. Picture: Contributed

Upgrades to the changerooms and sports amenities come as Magpies gear up to completely overhaul their clubhouse with construction expected to start by mid 2025.

Andrew Wilcox said the LNP commitment would help the club grow well into the future and support match day operations and community events.

Mr Milanovic said he contacted the Labor Party and asked if they would be matching the commitment, but had yet to hear anything back.

“It’ll be very generous if they can match the contribution,” he said.

Mr Wallace was also a candidate in the 2024 local government election for the Mackay Regional Council. Photo: Fergus Gregg

When Labor candidate for Dawson Neil Wallace was asked if he would match the commitment he said he would have more to say about Labor’s plan as the election approaches.

In the nearby Federal electorate of Capricornia the LNP has also pledged $3m to the Western Suburbs League club in Walkerston and $1.3m to Brothers Australian Football Club at Kele Park in Rockhampton.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry pledged $3m to the Western Suburbs Leagues Club in Walkerston ahead of the 2025 federal election.

The commitment to the Walkerston sports club will deliver a major expansion to the clubhouse as well as upgrade its amenities.

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said the club wasn’t just about sport but “it’s about bringing people together”.

“From grassroots football to community events, this club is at the heart of the Pioneer Valley,” Ms Landry said.

The LNP commitment of $1.3m to the Rockhampton Brothers Australian Football Club will also deliver new change rooms for women.

Ms Landry said it was unacceptable women and girls playing at Kele Park had no “suitable change rooms”.

“They are forced to walk 250 metres to facilities that are not fit for purpose or share with male players.

“This is 2025 – we need to do better.”

Capricornia incumbent Michelle Landry is challenged by Labor’s candidate Emily Lawson.

Kele Park is used by 13 AFL teams and the Rockhampton Wolverines Gridiron team, Rockhampton Softball, Frenchville Sports Club, Brothers Cricket and AFL Capricornia.

When asked if Labor would match these commitments in Capricornia, candidate Emily Mawson said “only Labor is making genuine commitments for our community”.

“We’ll have more to say in the lead up to the election.”

Ms Mawson pointed to Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s plan to cut 41,000 public service jobs and said “how can we trust that this will be delivered when every commitment the LNP make means more cuts to critical services?”.

In the lead up to the election, Labor has pledged to deliver an urgent care clinic to Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Cairns as part of a 50 clinic plan to improve access to medical care.

Mr Wallace framed the election as a choice between “a stronger Medicare with more bulk billing under Labor, or more cuts to Medicare”.

“The LNP can’t be trusted to open an Urgent Care Clinic in Mackay,” Mr Wallace said.

The LNP has also promised $5m to the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Gracemere Saleyard to refurbish the facilities.

Regional Livestock Exchange CEO Brett Freer said he welcomed the coalition’s pledge and said the funding will go towards upgrading water management and animal welfare.

“We have a long history of investing in CQLX and ensuring Rockhampton remains the Beef Capital of Australia,” Mr Freer said.
“The facility holds a prestigious place in our industry, and we see this investment as securing a very bright future to continue servicing a thriving stud, commercial and logistics sector.”

Originally published as Mackay, Walkerston, Rockhampton sport clubs get $5m federal election commitment