North Queensland sport and recreation elevates to a new level with the official opening of the $14 million Townsville Sports Precinct's three world-class indoor courts and gym by the Palaszczuk Government.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the precinct's new indoor venue was transformational.
"The Townsville Sport Precinct's new indoor courts and gym bring new world-class, active infrastructure to North Queensland," Mr Stewart said.
"It transforms the precinct into a one-stop venue for sport and physical activity in Townsville.
"Construction by Hutchinson Builders created 46 full-time tradie jobs during the pandemic, when Townsville needed them most.
"The sports hall and gym are a great addition to a precinct that already features a synthetic athletics track, playing fields and conference facilities.
"We know active North Queenslanders are healthy North Queenslanders and that's what makes this $14 million investment worth every cent."
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the three courts were adaptable to multiple indoor sporting codes.
"With sprung timber floors, shot clocks, scoreboards and soaring eight-metre-high-ceilings, the courts' uses are almost limitless," Mr Walker said.
"The courts' flexibility makes them perfect for basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball, badminton and wheelchair sport, as well as fitness classes and community events.
"Also new to the Townsville Sports precinct is a 300m2 gym that's bigger than most houses in the North and includes a versatile mix of cardio and resistance equipment.
"Whether it's schools, sporting, community groups or individuals, this is a complex we're keen to see the entire community try out."
Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe cut a ribbon to formally open the precinct's new additions.
"This is a terrific example of sporting infrastructure with potential to inject millions of dollars into Townsville's visitor economy," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"With its convenient inner-city location, the Townsville Sports Precinct is designed to attract visiting elite teams for training and carnivals.
"This weekend, the NRL's Sydney Roosters are using the gym ahead of the Cowboys match at QCBS and there will be many more to come.
"Townsville's Sports precinct also presents new opportunities to help uncover and develop home-grown, podium-ready athletes ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"It truly is a transformation complex to keep North Queenslanders active, healthy and winning."
The Townsville Sports Precinct is part of a $40 million Palaszczuk Government investment in new sport and recreation infrastructure including refurbishments of the Gold and Sunshine Coast Recreation Centres.
"Each venue has been totally transformed to attract thousands of guests long into the future," Mr Hinchliffe said.
Sporting Wheelies Exercise Physiologist and Sport Development Officer Paige Deguara said the Precinct would be fantastic for community users and sporting teams of all abilities.
"I think it is going to be an incredible space for everyone in the community to be able to utilise and it will provide a safe, fun and inclusive environment for those with a disability," Ms Deguara said.
"Sporting Wheelies Townsville currently runs Boccia, Wheelchair Basketball and Goalball so we would love to create a community space where members can come and try a sporting program of their choice and then hit the gym afterwards."
