[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Stadium funds start flowing Fallon Hudson
| 19th April 2009 Print larger | smaller
Member for Dawson James Bidgood, centre, had good news for, from left, stadium committee chairman Greg Sutherland, Junior Rugby League chairman Barry Blanchfield, Mackay Cutters operations manager Jamie McDonald and Mackay and District Rugby League chairman Stephen Hawkins at the Junior Rugby League grounds yesterday. MACKAY'S long-awaited stadium will be built as early as next year in time to kick off the region's football season. It was the start of a new era yesterday as first stage funds began to flow from the Federal Government's $8.million set aside for construction of the new stadium at the Mackay Junior Rugby League grounds. Member for Dawson James Bidgood made the announcement on behalf of Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia Gary Gray. After a seven-year campaign by the stadium committee, chaired by Greg Sutherland, it will now be full steam ahead, with the funding to be provided in two stages. Mr Sutherland said $360,000 from the first stage would be appointed to finalise an architect, engineers, surveyors and construction costs. On completion of stage one and following a review, funding would be released for the construction of stage two. We are over the moon that our grant application is finalised and we are now at the stage to appoint surveyors and engineers,he said. Even though the process to get Mackay's stadium had taken some time, Mr Sutherland said he was pleased the government had honoured its election promise. Mr Bidgood said the stadium would provide the region with a much-needed boost for infrastructure available for sporting activities. The Federal Government, two days before the election in 2007, promised the delivery of a stadium. It is a good news day because we have delivered, he said. The stadium would be constructed around a rectangular-shaped field with national standard lighting. While it would be heavily used by Mackay and District Rugby League and Mackay Junior Rugby League, it would be suitable for any sport or community activity that can use a rectangular-shaped field. Mr Sutherland said the construction of the stadium would not only bring regional infrastructure but would ensure local jobs during its construction. It will create jobs for local tradies, it is an investment in local employment,he said. Mr Bidgood said the stadium would have a 12,000-seat capacity, with adequate parking and access provided through a bitumen car parking and drop-off zone for people with disabilities, taxis and coaches. The project will include a main grandstand on the western side of the grounds.[/FONT]
