AusLeisure

The $24.2 million Stage one redevelopment of the Great Barrier Reef Arena at Harrup Park sporting complex in Mackay has commenced today.

Stage one of the project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government ($10 million), Australian Government ($10 million) and Mackay Cricket Association ($4.2 million).

The redevelopment will contribute to Mackay’s place as a national destination for AFL and Cricket with the project delivering a new covered grandstand, facilities for elite players, match officials and broadcast TV crews, plus room for an extra 10,000 spectators.

Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena precinct development includes the North Stand – a two-level grandstand with nearly 2000 undercover seats. With six sporting ovals, broadcast quality lighting, change rooms, and function facilities, Harrup Park is primed for a game-changing development.

Stage two of the Great Barrier Reef Arena development is currently in planning and expected to include a gym, community sport training facilities, room for regional sport programs and high-performance training capacity, which will be an asset in the leadup to the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Commenting on the redevelopment, Local State Member for Mackay and Assistant Health Minister Julieanne Gilbert noted “these works, in partnership with the Australian Government and Mackay Cricket Association, will create an international standard sporting venue capable of hosting major national and international games and carnivals.

“The venue has just wrapped up three hugely successful women’s One Day Internationals between Australia and India, so imagine what we can do once the redevelopment is complete.”

Completion of Stage one was expected late next year and would also include new food outlets, toilets and change rooms, and a community events precinct.

Assistant Minister Gilbert added “this will also be a fantastic venue for major sporting events, community cultural events, gatherings and concerts for use all year round.

“Existing amenities will be upgraded, change rooms will be refurbished to unisex facilities, and the field upgraded to accommodate more international games.

“More opportunity to bring elite sport to Mackay benefits tourism operators and our pandemic recovery.”

Harrup Park Country Club and Mackay Cricket Association Chairman Terry Doolan said the investment of the State Government in Great Barrier Reef Arena will create one of Australia’s best regional event destinations and community precincts noting “It will provide vital ongoing stimulus to our visitor economy, create new jobs and be a place that everyone in Mackay and the region will enjoy and be proud of for generations to come. Great Barrier Reef Arena will inspire participation, celebrate community and promote our world-renowned natural wonders.”

Cricket Australia Chief Executive, Nick Hockley said the commencement of Stage one of the Great Barrier Reef Arena development was an exciting milestone and added “we have been thrilled to watch the Australian Women’s Team take on India at the Arena over the past week and with its transformation into a world-class venue, we look forward to seeing more and more cricket played there in years to come.”

Harrup Park Country Club supports 61 sporting clubs and more than 28,000 members, playing a vital role in the health, wellbeing, and entertainment of people across the region.

Image top: Harrup Park Country Club and image above: Australian Women’s Cricket Team vs India courtesy Cricket Australia

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