NEW TOWNSVILLE SHOWGROUND PAVILION HONOURS MIKE REYNOLDS

Member for Townsville and Speaker Mike Reynolds has been recognised by the Townsville Show Society with a new pavilion at the showground named in his honour.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace opened the Mike Reynolds Pavilion today on behalf of the Show Society.

The Bligh Government is helping the Townsville Show Society plan for the future, by providing over $70,000 to help build the new pavilion.

“It is a testament to Mike Reynolds’ long service to Townsville and Queensland that this pavilion has been named in his honour,” Mr Wallace said.

“Mike Reynolds has been Member for Townsville since 1998, and is currently Speaker of the Queensland Parliament.

“His local government service included 16 years as a member of the Townsville City Council.

“During this time he was deputy mayor of Townsville from 1976 to 1980, and then mayor of Townsville from 1980 to 1989.

“This new pavilion will become an important asset for the local community and the Queensland Government is proud to contribute funding for the project.”

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the Townsville Show Society received a grant of $70,962 for the project from the Queensland Government through the Show Societies Grants Program last year.

“More than 130 local show societies across the state shared in $2 million through this round of the funding program,” Mr Pitt said.

“This funding helps show societies maintain and improve their facilities so that their shows and exhibitions can be enjoyed by everyone well into the future.”

Mr Wallace said the new pavilion was constructed to the highest cyclone rating of C2, meaning it could be used as an emergency shelter during a cyclonic event.

“This pavilion will be a safe and secure refuge for Townsville no matter how wild the storm,” Mr Wallace said.

The Mike Reynolds Pavilion will be a real asset to the community, not just during the Townsville show, but all year round,” he said.

“The Bligh Government is a strong supporter of all the annual shows around the State, and we want to keep the tradition of the local show going.”

Media contact: Paul Childs, Minister Wallace’s Office, 0407 131 654.