DAWSON SPORTING FACILITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
A public hearing into regional preparedness to host Olympic and Paralympic Games has been set for November 23rd.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has been successful in his fight to host the public hearing in Mackay with Senator Matt Canavan and Senator Bridget McKenzie.
“Our region has some amazing sporting facilities here in Central and North Queensland that are up to the task of hosting international sporting events such as pre-training and games for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and potentially the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Willcox said.
“This would be a great win for our region and an opportunity to show the people down south what we can do here and what we have to offer. We have the people, we have the skillset, and we have the passion.
Mr Willcox is calling for the federal government to invest regionally instead of building temporary stadiums in the southeast corner that will become obsolete once the GABBA redevelopment is finalised.
“Instead of building temporary stadiums down south that will never be used again and will cost our taxpayers money, it’s a no brainer to use the grounds here that already exist and to put some crucial funding into the regions to develop the facilities in the beautiful North Queensland regions that will be used on a permanent basis.
“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.”
The tourism, retail, and hospitality industries in Mackay and surrounding areas would also see a much-needed boost explained Mr Willcox.
“People might come for the games, but they’ll stay for the reef trips, the islands, and the rainforest experiences we have to offer.
“They’ll visit our shopping centres, our pubs, restaurants, and cafes, and in the current economic crisis when everyone’s doing it tough, it would be a huge boost to our economy.”
Mr Willcox is strongly encouraging all sporting clubs in Dawson who would be interested in holding fixtures of various sports to submit their interest to attend the hearing which can be attended in person or via teleconference.
“We want to hear from anyone who is interested in holding fixtures of various sporting matches, as well as any options for training and preliminary rounds for Olympic events.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a cricket ground, a football oval, or you have facilities for hockey, basketball, volleyball, netball, cycling, swimming, or anything in between.
“This is our opportunity to showcase that Central and North Queensland can do it just as well, if not better, than those down south.”
Submissions can be made in writing for consideration to rrat.sen@aph.gov.au
DETAILS ON THE PUBLIC HEARING
What: Games Preparedness Inquiry – Public Hearing
When: Thursday 23rd November
Where: The Reef Room, Harrup Park – 89 Juliet Street, South Mackay
Time: 8:30 am start