- The Crisafulli Government delivers $23.5 million for Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena under the Games On! program.
- Supports development of a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility and community and events hub for the Mackay-Whitsundays region.
- The venue could host cricket during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a sporting legacy for Mackay, providing $23.5 million for Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena at Harrup Park.
Initial funding has now been received by Harrup Park which help will deliver a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility, creating a major sporting and community hub for the Mackay-Whitsundays region.
The project will take the Great Barrier Reef Arena to the next level and deliver a legacy for cricket, AFL and grassroots sport in Mackay.
A total of 119 projects have been funded so far under the Games On! program, delivering new and upgraded fields and courts, clubhouses, changerooms and lighting for sporting clubs across the state.
After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government's Games On! program is enhancing sporting infrastructure and ensuring Queensland communities benefit from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project is in the early planning stages, with design workshops and stakeholder consultation currently underway.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the facility would create pathways for more Queenslanders to participate in sport.
"As we position Queensland as Australia's sports capital, we will continue to develop our regional sporting hubs to ensure the benefits of our growing schedule of major sporting events can be shared throughout the State," Minister Mander said.
"We know that to get more people playing, officiating, volunteering and watching sport, we need to invest in quality facilities that serve the community.
"Stage 2 upgrades will support multiple sporting codes, including training for elite athletes, grassroots clubs and major event broadcasting."
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said Harrup Park was an important venue for the local community.
"Harrup Park has been the heart of cricket in Mackay for many years, recently hosting its first international men's cricket match, which was warmly embraced by locals," Mr Dalton said.
"The community is excited to see the next stage of this project progress, to create a facility that will support the region's needs long into the future."
Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young said the project would deliver a legacy for the region.
"We're proud to work alongside the Queensland Government to bring this next stage of the Great Barrier Reef Arena to life, building on strong foundations to deliver an iconic facility ready to shine on the world stage in 2032 and beyond," Mr Young said.
"The benefits of this project go far beyond sport. It will bring people together, strengthen community pride and create a lasting legacy that every person in our region can share in."
