Townsville Cycle Club will soon start vital works to its flood-damaged velodrome after receiving $1.86 million in funding.
The velodrome was extensively damaged in the North Queensland Monsoonal Trough in 2019.
The works are being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through the $18 million Community and Recreational Assets program.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the repairs will have a significant positive impact on the community.
"I'm delighted to see the club has awarded the successful tender and the works will begin soon, with completion by June, in time for the start of the 2021 track racing season," Minister Littleproud said.
"All levels of government have worked together so these repairs can be completed, and locals and visitors alike can enjoy premium sporting facilities once more.
"The Government is committed to supporting drought, flood, storm and fire affected communities, and will stand shoulder to shoulder with them until the job is done."
Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the DRFA was seeing facilities restored at 42 not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations and councils across the Townsville, Richmond, McKinlay, Flinders, Cloncurry, Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast council areas.
"The traumatic effects of the monsoonal trough on the lives of North Queenslanders will be remembered by the community for years to come," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Getting flood-damaged infrastructure like the Townsville Cycle Club's velodrome back online is another critical step in the community's recovery, particularly during the ongoing COVID pandemic.
"This is an excellent opportunity for Townsville Cycle Club velodrome to rebuild better and be ready for the beginning of this year's track season.
"We know events like the velodrome's Townsville Cup on Wheels are important for supporting local jobs and North Queensland's visitor economy."
Club President Alicia Harris said an incredible amount of hard work had gone into the project already by multiple members of the cycling community.
"These works are quite specialised, and the club has gone through an extensive selection process to ensure the right people have been chosen to repair the velodrome," Ms Harris said.
"COVID-19 has proven to be another roadblock in the process, but we are confident Jackson and Semler can complete the repairs in time for the start of the 2021 track season.
"The refurbished velodrome will be showcased at the Townsville Cup on Wheels in September, where we are hoping to attract riders from across the state and also interstate.
"As a club, we are very excited to get construction underway."
For more information about the funding opportunities through the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, please contact your local Sport and Recreation Services advisor on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit the Queensland Government website.
