- New night lights will allow the N E McLean Oval to grow as a regional hub for AFL football in Hervey Bay.
- Improved after-hours access to fields will increase participation for all grades, women’s and junior teams.
- The LNP delivers on improved community infrastructure for regional Queensland.
The LNP will provide certified night lights for the Hervey Bay Bombers Football club to increase access to training and matches for the community, if elected next month.
LNP Shadow Minister for Sport Tim Mander was joined by LNP Candidate for Hervey Bay, David Lee, to announce the LNP’s $190,000 investment.
“Hervey Bay is one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland, and we need better facilities to keep our community healthy and happy,” said Mr Lee.
“We need competition level lighting so the Hervey Bay Bombers, their 250 players and hundreds of supporters and volunteers, can access the oval after dark - safely and securely.”
“The club wants to field two teams in every junior division, and keeping the lights on will ensure there is enough training and night match capacity for the growing club.”
Shadow Sport Minister, Tim Mander, said as a former referee he understood how important it was to have access to fields after hours.
“Whether it is training, or night matches, providing proper, competition standard lighting is the way to increase participation and engagement,” Mr Mander said.
“This is part of the LNP’s investment in grassroots sport to help train the next generation of Queensland athletes.”
Mr Lee said more and more people were moving from southern states to Hervey Bay.
“They know AFL, and they want to be able to keep playing here,” he said.
“Providing this upgrade will help boost club numbers."
“Additionally, the ability to host night matches is likely to provide a boost to the local economy by ensuring the Bombers can host Grand Finals in the area.
“We need this infrastructure to allow the Bombers to grow to the next level.”
Mr Mander said the benefits of sporting participation were well known.
“It is vital that we encourage everyone to keep active,” he said.
“By expanding accessibility to AFL we are giving potential players of all ages and genders more opportunity to reach the elite level of the sport they love."
“The LNP is committed to ensuring regional communities have access to the facilities they deserve, no matter where in this great state they live."
“Only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future, including planning and delivering community infrastructure for the future.”