$23.5 Million Boost For Stage 2 of Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena

Mackay’s sporting future is set for a major upgrade, with the Government committing $23.5 million to Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena under the statewide Games On! program.

The funding, now received by Harrup Park, will support the development of a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility designed to become a central community and events hub for the Mackay–Whitsundays region. Once complete, the venue could play host to cricket during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, cementing its place on the international sporting stage.

The expansion forms part of the government’s plan to build a long-term sporting legacy for regional Queensland. Officials say the upgrades will significantly enhance opportunities across cricket, AFL and grassroots sport, helping to strengthen pathways for athletes at all levels.

To date, 119 projects across the state have been supported through the Games On! program, delivering new or improved clubhouses, changerooms, fields, courts and lighting for local sporting organisations. The government says the program is reversing “a decade of decline under Labor” and ensuring communities feel the benefits of the 2032 Games.

The Great Barrier Reef Arena project is currently in its early planning stages, with design workshops and stakeholder consultation underway.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the upgraded facility would help more Queenslanders get involved 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 had long been a cornerstone of the local sporting 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 development would deliver lasting regional benefits.

“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.”

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A new era for regional sport is on the horizon as Great Barrier Reef Arena secures $23.5 million in funding (Photo Supplied)

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