Townsville Sports Reserve scores new indoor courts

Work begins next month on a $13.55 million indoor court complex at Townsville Sports Reserve, creating new jobs to help fast-track the North’s COVID-19 economic recovery.

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe, Member for Townsville Scott Stewart and Member for Mundingburra Les Walker today turned the first ceremonial shovelful of earth on site ahead of the start of construction.

“This is a $13.55 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government in local, all-weather sport and jobs for Townsville’s economic recovery,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“In what will be a game changer for Townsville Sports Reserve, the new complex will be home to three multi-purpose courts with shot clocks, scoreboards and sprung timber floors.

“Construction of the architecturally-designed building will create 45 full-time construction jobs to support Townsville’s economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.”

Similar multi-purpose halls are also planned for the Sunshine and Gold coasts as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Active Precincts program.

Resources Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the indoor court complex would bring a host of new sports to Townsville Sports Reserve.

“This project will be a new, $13.55 million lease on life for the already popular Townsville Sports Reserve,” Mr Stewart said.

“Townsville Sports Reserve is already home to a world-class synthetic athletics track, playing fields, amenities, canteens and conference facilities.

“Once complete, the indoor stadium with its eight-metre-high ceilings and cooling sea breezes will introduce a host of additional sports to the reserve.

“From futsal and fitness classes to netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton and wheelchair sports, the indoor stadium’s adaptability is almost endless.

“The design of the complex also makes a high-performance gym and indoor rock-climbing wall possibilities for the future, depending on demand.”

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the Palaszczuk Government had already invested in a $300,000 upgrade of the Townsville Sports Reserve entrance.

“We’re creating a world-class, multi-purpose active sports precinct suitable for Townsville’s elite athletes, schools and community organisations,” Mr Walker said.

“The Townsville Sports Reserve is part of a multi-million-dollar investment by the Palaszczuk Government in sport and recreation infrastructure for the North.”

Work on the new indoor courts at Townsville Sports Reserve is expected to be completed by November 2021.

ENDS

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