- Stage 1 of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct and a new home for Rockhampton Netball is one step closer with $47 million in funding allocated in the Crisafulli Government's first Budget.
- Preliminary design for Stage 1 of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct is now complete, with construction to begin in 2026 following development approval.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a fresh start, after a decade of decline under Labor.
A new and improved home for the Rockhampton Netball Association at the Rockhampton Sports Precinct is one step closer, with Games On! funding allocated in the Crisafulli Government's first Budget, and preliminary designs now complete.
The Crisafulli Government is investing $47 million into the project, delivering on an election commitment and a fresh start for Central Queensland.
The Rockhampton Sports Precinct Stage 1 Project includes 16 outdoor hard courts, clubhouse and facilities, as well as upgrades to roads and intersections along Norman Road at CQUniversity's North Rockhampton campus.
The precinct is being delivered in partnership with the Rockhampton Regional Council.
The Rockhampton Netball Association is one of the largest participation sport associations in Rockhampton, with a registered membership of approximately 2,800.
It currently operates out of Jardine Park, but the facility is ageing and insufficient to meet growing participation numbers.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
"We are delivering the first stage of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct with a new home for netball and a major boost to grassroots sports in Central Queensland," Premier Crisafulli said.
"Now it's Games On! in Rockhampton, as we deliver grassroots sports facilities to keep pace with this growing region.
"This new home of Netball will not only help train our next generation of netballers, it will allow Central Queensland to host State and National competitions, benefitting the entire community."
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Rockhampton Sports Precinct will attract many more locals to take up organised sport.
"We want to see more Queenslanders getting active and this incredible new facility will encourage more people to get involved in sport," Minister Mander said.
"The Crisafulli Government's Games On! program delivering much needed upgrades to fields, courts, clubhouses, changerooms and lighting to grassroots clubs across the state ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games".
Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said the Crisafulli Government's significant Games On! Investment will meet the demands of a growing community.
"Unfortunately, the facilities at Jardine Park are not only tiring, they are insufficient for that growth," Mr Hutton said.
"The Crisafulli Government recognises the need for a brand-new facility like this, and is pleased to invest significantly to not only ensure members of the community get involved in sport, but that there's a home for netball in Central Queensland."
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the precinct will be a game-changer for the region.
"Netball is a massive participation sport in Central Queensland, and we want to see it continue grow," Ms Kirkland said.
"The new Rockhampton Sports Precinct will enable all participants to be active, as well as connecting with friends and the wider community in a fun and healthy way."
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the Crisafulli Government was proud to give Central Queensland a new netball home.
"We're proud to be boosting grassroots sport and deliver a new home for Rockhampton netball," Mr Kelly said.
"We're delivering a world class sporting facility to meet the needs of our community and investing in the future."
Rockhampton Regional Council Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson said it was pleasing the project was taking shape.
"This is a significant community sporting project, and one that our netballers in particular have been seeking for many years," Councillor Rutherford said.
"Having the Preliminary Design complete and the DA process moving, means it won't be long before we see shovels in the ground to deliver the Precinct for the people of Rockhampton.
"I thank the Premier and the Crisafulli Government for the contribution. This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when our two levels of government work together for the community."
