 |
 |
|
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning - The Honourable Cameron Dick
|
Coen’s future sporting stars can now train and play on a new state-of-the-art sports oval thanks to more than $1 million funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
Speaking from Coen Oval in Far North Queensland, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning and Ministerial Champion for Coen Cameron Dick said the new sports oval will provide a community-owned public space while encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for the Coen community.
“Sport plays a key role in Queensland’s rural and regional communities like Coen by contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and better health,” he said.
“Rural and remote towns have developed many of Australia’s elite athletes due to their unique social environment, and we want to fuel more future champions in these parts of Queensland by ensuring they are supported with great spaces to train and play.
“This upgrade included modifications to surface drainage, new goal posts, a new pump and travelling irrigator.
“The installation of the new lighting system will also allow Coen locals to access this new facility during the evening, avoiding the impact of the Far North Queensland sun.
“This is an important project requested by the Coen community and our government has listened to and delivered on their needs.”
The $1.07 million funding for the oval project came from the Department of Health ($870,000) andDepartment of Housing and Public Works, through its Sport and Recreation Services ($200,000).
Mr Dick said a select tender process was held early this year before the tender was awarded to proponent Bama Services Pty Ltd in early April.
“I want to congratulate Bama Services for completing this project on schedule so teams like the Coen Colts can continue kicking goals in their local rugby league competition,” he said.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said: “I’m proud to be part of a government that is investing in initiatives which improve Queensland communities in all corners of the state, including supporting projects like this in Coen which will have a real and positive grassroots impact for locals.
“This oval will not only be a fantastic new space for local sports teams, it will be a gathering place for the community which will unite locals of all ages and support them to enjoy an active, fun and healthy lifestyle together.”
Deadly Choices ambassadors Steve Renouf and Scott Prince and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll were among those who helped celebrate the official oval opening, which was followed by a community barbecue hosted by the Minister.
Mr Renouf said the Deadly Choices program has helped achieve positive, life-changing results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples right across Australia.
“The initiative helps reinforce positive mental and physical health outcomes among communities through the promotion of healthy eating, active participation in sport, and emphasising the importance of a good education,” he said.
“Sharing the message to different communities about making positive health and lifestyle choices is something I believe in and feel privileged to be a part of through Deadly Choices.”
ENDS
Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039
