Published Saturday, 02 August, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence: Upgraded hockey complex ready for play in Townsville
Hockey in Townsville has received a major boost, with the official opening of new synthetic playing fields and upgraded facilities at Townsville Hockey Complex today.
Sport Minister Judy Spence said the opening of the upgraded hockey facilities is the first step in the in the multi-million dollar Murray Sports Complex redevelopment.
“Today’s official opening heralds a new era for hockey in the region, ensuring the sport can continue to grow in northern Queensland,” Ms Spence said.
“This project has provided players with a new synthetic surface on fields one and two, new building dug outs, a technical bench and increased spectator capacity.
“Townsville is now the only regional centre, outside of south east Queensland, with two wet playing surfaces – opening up opportunities to host elite state and national competitions like the Premier League and the state-wide Under 18 Championships.
“These improved facilities will help attract more local players to the sport, and will also improve training opportunities at a regional level.
“This Government has provided $995,000 towards this project, making up 70% of the total cost.
“This is part of the State Government’s $10 million commitment for the Murray Sports Complex redevelopment.
“The Murray Sports Centre is one of the largest sporting complexes in Queensland, with 11,000 people using the facilities every week.
“As Townsville’s major sport and recreation hub, the Centre is host to 10 sports including AFL, basketball, cricket, cycling, netball, rugby league, rugby union and hockey, and has more than 200 acres of playing fields.
“Work is progressing with upgrades to the other sporting venues in the Murray Sports Centre with the majority of facilities to be completed by mid 2009.
“By embarking on this major redevelopment we are providing more opportunities for the Townsville community to get active and involved in a large range of sports.
“This is a great example of this Government working with community sporting organisations to deliver improved services and facilities for regional communities.”
Media contact: 3239 6172
Sport Minister Judy Spence said the opening of the upgraded hockey facilities is the first step in the in the multi-million dollar Murray Sports Complex redevelopment.
“Today’s official opening heralds a new era for hockey in the region, ensuring the sport can continue to grow in northern Queensland,” Ms Spence said.
“This project has provided players with a new synthetic surface on fields one and two, new building dug outs, a technical bench and increased spectator capacity.
“Townsville is now the only regional centre, outside of south east Queensland, with two wet playing surfaces – opening up opportunities to host elite state and national competitions like the Premier League and the state-wide Under 18 Championships.
“These improved facilities will help attract more local players to the sport, and will also improve training opportunities at a regional level.
“This Government has provided $995,000 towards this project, making up 70% of the total cost.
“This is part of the State Government’s $10 million commitment for the Murray Sports Complex redevelopment.
“The Murray Sports Centre is one of the largest sporting complexes in Queensland, with 11,000 people using the facilities every week.
“As Townsville’s major sport and recreation hub, the Centre is host to 10 sports including AFL, basketball, cricket, cycling, netball, rugby league, rugby union and hockey, and has more than 200 acres of playing fields.
“Work is progressing with upgrades to the other sporting venues in the Murray Sports Centre with the majority of facilities to be completed by mid 2009.
“By embarking on this major redevelopment we are providing more opportunities for the Townsville community to get active and involved in a large range of sports.
“This is a great example of this Government working with community sporting organisations to deliver improved services and facilities for regional communities.”
Media contact: 3239 6172