Burdekin Netball’s goals of growing the club and improving facilities for local and visiting players have taken a major step forward following the delivery of a commitment made in the lead up to the 2024 state election.

Following his support of multiple attempts to secure funding for the upgrades, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, credited the club’s unwavering commitment and extensive planning for securing the necessary funding and expediting work.

“For five years Burdekin Netball have been seeking funding to upgrade the facilities, and, despite their best efforts, funding wasn’t forthcoming for the full project,” Mr Last said.  “Now, less than 12 months after the election, we are delivering the funding needed to help the club and local players reach their full potential.”

“The $3.5M investment will deliver 8 fully lit, high standard courts as well as additional shade and upgraded clubhouse facilities.  There is also extensive work on re-profiling the site as a whole to assist with drainage and, therefore, ensure the new facilities, and games, don’t easily fall victim to wet weather.”

“Projects like these bring a wide range of benefits for our entire community so delivering them is a priority for me.  Whether we are talking about children, or players of any age, they deserve safe, high standard facilities.”

“There are confirmed links between people who are active and improvements in both physical and mental health.  So, in addition, to being an investment in facilities, this project is also an investment in delivering better health outcomes.”

Mr Last said Burdekin Netball’s success could be seen as an example for other sporting and recreation clubs and encouraged local organisations to consider their future growth.

“The Queensland government has committed significant funding to upgrading sporting and recreational facilities across the state,” Mr Last said.  “That is because we recognise the benefits that those activities provide, especially to regional communities.”

“While the activity might be the same, sporting and recreation clubs, for most people, play a completely different role in our communities than they do in bigger centres.  Yes, they provide opportunities for players and officials, but they also act as a social hub for players, parents, officials and the like.”

“Obviously it is much easier to build groups based on common interests or activities.  Improved facilities mean increasing participation and involvement and, in turn, that increases the opportunities for people of all ages to build stronger bonds and stronger communities.”

“I have always supported local groups in applying for funding to upgrade their facilities and that won’t change.  Having spent most of my life living in smaller regional centres, I understand the importance and the benefits those projects bring.”

“Now is a great time for those sporting and recreational groups to put together a plan for their future and I can’t wait to see more of those projects become reality, just like it has for Burdekin Netball.”