The LNP will deliver a major boost for grassroots netball in Central Queensland, with an upgrade to double the hardcourt capacity of Capricorn Coast Netball, if elected next month.
The $4.5 million upgrade is part of the LNP’s investment into grassroots sports, complementing the previously announced Rockhampton Sports Precinct Stage 1, which will provide a national-competition grade facility for Central Queensland.
Announced from Yeppoon this morning, the LNP has committed to upgrade eight grass courts to hardcourts with a full lighting upgrade enabling the Capricorn Coast Netball Association to run state-level competitions and expand their weekly fixtures.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the upgrade would establish Capricorn Coast Netball Association as a powerhouse of the sport in Queensland, helping attract more competitions, players and families.
“The LNP is committed to boosting grassroots sporting facilities across Queensland, providing opportunities for the next generation of young athletes to learn and compete in sports,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“The Olympics legacy shouldn’t be about a single stadium or venue, it should be about delivering upgrades to grassroots sports across Queensland, just like the LNP will do right here with Capricorn Coast Netball.
“Investing in grassroots sports is a win for players and a win for the community, that’s why it’s part of the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”
LNP Candidate for Keppel Nigel Hutton said the popularity of netball had skyrocketed in his community, but Labor had failed to provide the infrastructure needed to get more kids out playing.
“The LNP will deliver eight additional outdoor hardcourts and lighting at Barmaryee Sports Complex to take the Capricorn Coast Netball Association to the next level,” Mr Hutton said.
“The LNP’s upgrades will allow the club to host more top-level tournaments like their annual Under-16s competition which sees more than 170 teams compete over a weekend, with families traveling from across the region to take part.
“There are more than 1,200 present members and their families who will benefit immediately, and the upgrade will mean many more players will be able to get involved in the grassroots netball community.”
Capricorn Coast Netball Club President Tanya Burnett said they were thrilled with the LNP’s commitment.
"Our club started in 1981, and our club and the netball community has grown dramatically over this time, so we're incredibly excited to have the next stage of our facility delivered,” Ms Burnett said.
"From 400 participants in 2016 when we first moved to Barmaryee, to over 1,200 today, this investment in our facilities provides opportunities for our players, our weekly fixtures, our very successful regional competition, and will allow us to host state level events into the future."