Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Cricket Is Coming Back To Airlie Beach

There has been no cricket in Airlie Beach for over 10 years, but that is about to change.

In a recent meeting at the Whitsunday Sportspark it was voted that the Airlie Beach Cricket Club (ABCC) could join the Sportspark as an associate member, meaning Airlie Beach Cricket Club can officially get up and running.

ABCC committee member and spokesperson Stephen Logan said that the ABCC is thrilled with the news and is looking forward to bringing cricket to the community.

“The ABCC Committee are extremely pleased that the majority of the Whitsunday Sportspark foundation members have voted to allow us to join the Sportspark as an associate member,” he said.

“This is great news for the Airlie Beach community, and we are looking forward to working with the Sportspark to establish a high-class cricket facility at the park for the 2025-26 season.”

Before ABCC can operate at the Sportspark renovations have to be made to the upper oval and the ABCC are already looking at ways to fund the redevelopment.

‘We're aiming to straightaway look at funding for redevelopment of the upper oval in conjunction with the Sports Park,” said Stephen Logan.

ABCC are planning to bowl their first ball at the Whitsunday Sportspark in the Mackay Competition in the 2025-26 season, but the club is starting sooner.

The ABCC is joining the Proserpine Competition for this upcoming 2024-25 season but is currently looking at other pitches and grounds to play on.

President of Whitsunday Sportspark Justin Butler said he is thrilled that the Airlie Beach Cricket Club will be joining the facility.

“We’re excited to have another major national sport play at the club,” said Justin Butler.

“We have plans to redevelop the top oval into a high-end regional ground.”

“Taking the top oval from one sport in AFL to two with Cricket can only help in attracting money to enable us to redevelop it into a high end facility for the benefit of attracting more high end exhibition games to our facility which is in walking distance to the iconic Airlie Beach main street.”

Cricket is coming to Airlie Beach for the first time in over 20 years, Stock Image

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