Walkerston is set to become a sporting powerhouse, with a record-breaking $3.125 million investment locked in to upgrade the home of the Wests Tigers — the largest single boost to sports infrastructure ever seen in the Mirani electorate.
Backed by the Queensland Government, the funding delivers on Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP’s key election commitment, and marks a major win for the region’s sporting future.
Delivered under the state’s Games On! program, the project will include the construction of four new change rooms, accessible facilities, a parents' room, raised viewing platform, and four new multi-purpose courts with lighting to cater to sports like netball, basketball, volleyball and pickleball.
“This project is about supporting grassroots sport today while helping to nurture the champions of tomorrow,” Mr Kelly said.
“It’s about making sure kids in regional areas have the same opportunities as those in the big cities.
“These upgrades will allow the club to expand, and provide more opportunities for both the 1,000 players at the club across various sports, and players looking at joining the club.
“This will benefit the Walkerston and Valley communities, and it’s so important that we have good quality sporting infrastructure to help develop the athletes of tomorrow and provide opportunities for local sport.”
Wests Tigers General Manager Kingsley Theiber said the club, one of the largest junior rugby league participation clubs in the region with over 600 junior players, was feeling the pinch of limited space and outdated facilities.
“We have a membership base of about 8000 … we hear it all the time that mums and dads are working all these hours and getting home and then not being able to take the kids into town for training where other club facilities are,” Mr Theiber said.
“Construction will start at the end of our rugby league and soccer season this year so we’re looking at probably a September start.
“That’ll have hopefully the new dressing rooms in place ready to go at the start of next season.”
FULL SCOPE OF STAGE 1 INCLUDES:
Design and construction of an extension to the existing change room, canteen and bar building
Four new change rooms
New unisex DDA-compliant toilet
Parents' room
Raised VIP viewing platform
Retention of existing tiered seating with new shade cover
Four new covered, multi-purpose courts with lighting
Lighting upgrades to training field 2
Relocation of existing field 1 lights to field 3
Security fencing across the precinct
This investment ensures the Wests Tigers and the wider Pioneer Valley sporting community will have the facilities they need to grow, train and thrive — right here at home.
Glen Kelly MP, Premier David Crisafulli, and General Manager Kingsley Theiber
Premier David Crisafulli, Caleb Filewood, and Glen Kelly MP. Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
