I am pleased to announce Australian Government funding for the Townsville International Sports Centre, clearing the way for work to begin in July.
My Government will contribute $6,355,000 to the project at the Murray's Sports Complex in Annandale, delivered in two stages under the Regional Partnerships Program.
The money will assist Townsville City Council design and construct the new Centre. When complete, the Centre will boast a spectator capacity of 1,400 and will be capable of hosting both national and international events. It will raise the region's sporting profile and create employment opportunities for Townsville and surrounds.
The Centre will be home to a number of sporting teams, including the Townsville's Women's National Basketball League and the North Queensland Steel Cats. It will also be able to be used as a disaster recovery centre for the Townsville region if required.
Peter Lindsay MP has as usual been a vocal advocate in his support for this important project for the Townsville community.
I congratulate the local community for working together to access Regional Partnerships Program funding and particularly thank the North Queensland Area Consultative Committee for helping to bring this project to fruition.
The Regional Partnerships Program continues the Australian Government's approach of working with local communities to support their ideas, to generate economic activity and improved social amenity.
The initial contribution of $3.355 million from the Regional Partnerships Program will allow work to begin on the design and construction in July. Today I also commit a further $3 million for the subsequent phases of the project, in consultation with the Townsville City Council.