The Rudd Labor Government will provide more than $1.9 million to upgrade five regional sporting grounds in Gladstone, South Gladstone, Benaraby, and Clinton.

Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, made the announcement with the Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor in Gladstone today.

Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government said that the project was worth more than $3.1 million, delivering a boost to the economy.

“It is expected to support 32 jobs during construction and 11 jobs over the longer term.

“And it will deliver lasting benefits for local sporting groups, families, residents and visitors for years to come.

“This is a win for the community who have put their support behind these great sporting projects,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Ferguson said that people from all over the region would have better access to elite and amateur-level sporting facilities.

“Once completed, these sporting upgrades will help attract more state and regional championships to Gladstone and bring more visitors to this great part of Queensland.

“Young Indigenous people will also benefit through a specific Indigenous Pre-Employment Program to construct grandstands as part of the project,” he said

The Gladstone Regional Council project is expected to include:

• Construction of an international-standard synthetic turf hockey field at the Gladstone District Hockey facility to allow regional and state competitions;


• Construction of a new squash court facility next to the Gladstone Tennis Complex;


• Upgrades to the Gladstone Junior Rugby League facility including car parking, grand stand seating, field and amenities building redevelopment;


• Construction of a perimeter safety fence at the Benaraby Motorsports Complex Speedway site; and


• Resealing of the Gladstone Go-Kart Club race track to improve safety and provide a venue for regional competitions.

Mr Albanese said that the funding was part of the Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, which was delivering a record $1 billion for nearly 5,000 projects across the nation.

The funding is conditional upon the council formalising a contract with the Government and meeting relevant conditions.