Townsville Athletics back on track for The Challenge Games

The Townsville Sports Reserve athletics track has been restored to international standards following a $700,000 facelift to replace its deteriorated surfaces.

The multi-use stadium received a major upgrade to its track and field surfaces after accelerated deterioration.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the Townsville Sports Reserve was one of the only athletics facilities certified to international standards in North Queensland.

“The Reserve attracts more than 50,000 competitors each year and plays an integral role in boosting sporting opportunities for Townsville and North Queensland,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We replaced the deteriorated surfaces so the stadium could continue to attract competitors from across the country, and respond to growing demand for improved local sporting facilities.”

Completed on July 14, the project replaced the base mats and top surface coats of the stadium’s eight lane athletics track, water jump, pole vault and long jump runways, and double lane training and warm up area. 

Work was also completed on the shot put, discus and javelin throw areas.

Minister O’Rourke said she was pleased the project could be finished in time for The Challenge Games, an event for students with a disability, which were being held at the stadium this week.

“The Challenge Games have been running in Townsville for 21 years and in the past have attracted more than 800 students with a disability from across the state,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving facilities to promote participation in active sport and recreation, no matter a person’s age or ability.

“Events like this help to break down barriers for people with disability, and create a more inclusive community.

“I am pleased this year’s competitors will once again be ableto use a world-class facility.”

Media Contact:        Minister O’Rourke’s office            3719 7190