Senator the Hon Anne Ruston
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care
Shadow Minister for Sport
Mr Jeremy Neal
LNP Candidate for Leichhardt
LNP Candidate for Leichhardt, Jeremy Neal, and Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon. Anne
Ruston, today announced a $4 million commitment under a Dutton Liberal National Government
to upgrade facilities at Cairns Hockey, ensuring the region continues to foster grassroots
participation and attract international events.
The investment is part of a $7 million project that will deliver critical infrastructure improvements,
including:
- Upgrades to playing field lighting to meet international broadcast requirements and sustainability expectations.
- Completion of Stage 2 upgrades to the existing "Link Building" to provide improved player services, briefing, and administrative facilities.
- Refurbishment of the Aspire Program facility to increase First Nations participation in hockey and regional engagement.
Mr Neal said the funding would ensure continued growth and opportunities for the sport across
the region.
“Cairns Hockey is a vital part of the local community with nearly 1,000 players, 60 per cent of whom
are female,” Mr Neal said.
“This funding will also directly support more opportunities for women in sport and enhance First
Nations participation through the Aspire Program.”
“But not only are we investing in our region’s future by improving facilities for our local players,
we’re also positioning Cairns as a premier destination for international hockey tournaments.
“Cairns is already set to host the upcoming Trans-Tasman Masters Hockey tournament, proving
that our region has the potential to be a key location for elite international sport. This investment
will help make Cairns a go-to location for training camps and international fixtures in the lead-up
to the 2032 Olympics.
“The LNP’s commitment to grassroots and elite sport stands in stark contrast to Labor, which has
neglected key regional sporting infrastructure and failed to invest in the future of Cairns’ sporting
community.
“Only a Dutton-led Liberal National Government will provide the funding needed to upgrade these
facilities and support local hockey into the future.”
Senator Ruston highlighted the importance of investing in regional sporting infrastructure,
particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
“We understand the long-term health and wellbeing benefits of boosting participation in sport and
seizing on the legacy opportunity of the Games by supporting grassroots sporting organisations
like Cairns Hockey,” Senator Ruston said.
“The Liberals and Nationals are focused on supporting the sporting infrastructure communities
need as more young Australians are inspired to get out there and get active.”
The commitment builds on previous support from the Liberal National Government, including $2.7
million for Stage 1 of the Link Building project in 2019, and aligns with Cairns Hockey’s long-term
infrastructure plan to expand participation and attract high-calibre sporting events.