CQUni jumps funding hurdle to set plans in place for Sporting Precinct
Published on 05 April, 2012
Further plans for the proposed Mackay Regional Sporting Precinct were announced on Friday, March 30 as the University welcomes over $100,000 in donations from industry and local government, to complement its own $40,000 commitment.
Thanks to a major contribution of $50,000 from Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, along with a $35,000 commitment from Mackay Regional Council and $17,500 from other industry members, the project will now enter the critical detailed planning stage.
The proposed Mackay Regional Sporting Precinct will cater for a wide variety of sporting activities. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Community & Engagement) and Head of Campus in Mackay, Professor Pierre Viljoen also unveiled the University's Campus Master Plan, which reveals a ‘new-look' campus to include the proposed Sporting Precinct, a $16.6 million Engineering facility and more student accommodation.
The sporting precinct concept includes a synthetic athletics track, Olympic-standard aquatic facilities, indoor sports facilities, a multi-purpose sporting field, leisure water attractions, a chiropractic community clinic and a sports bar.
Professor Viljoen is also adamant that an Olympic sized Ice Rink (incorporated into the indoor sports centre) should be part and parcel of the plan.
"This facility, when complete, will be a showcase of quality sport and recreation facilities and will be beneficial for the whole Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region through its links with education," Professor Viljoen said.
LINK for a larger image of the master plan"It will also provide access to young regional and remote athletes by providing top quality sporting facilities linked to the existing programs and services at the CQUniversity Mackay Campus."
The overall vision is to develop a multi-purpose sporting facility to cater for the future growth of Mackay and to meet the future planning needs for sport and recreation.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Col Meng said the proposed facility is aligned with council's Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy (OSSR).
"This type of facility has been identified as a critical need in the OSSR and council is keen to work in partnership with CQUniversity to assist in delivering the project," Cr Meng said.
The event also included a lunch to thank the University's generous donors, who have enabled the project to reach this significant stage.
"I have been amazed by the generous donation from business and industry groups, as well as local council in supporting this project from the ground up," Professor Viljoen said.
"Through their investment in our proposed sporting precinct, they have shown a major level of commitment in providing much-needed facilities for this region."
Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd, Kim Gebers said his company was happy to be supporting the University with the design, as the facility had the potential to increase the liveability of the city as well as increase study options at the campus.
"DBCT P/L has always been a proud member of the Mackay community. We got behind this venture because it will have a positive impact in so many ways," Mr Gebers said.
"We want to attract and retain a strong workforce, and have a city that offers recreational and educational diversity will definitely entice people to choose Mackay."
Upon completion of the detailed drawings and accompanying business plans, the University will submit the proposal to State and Federal Governments for funding considerations.
The project is currently one of the region's top priorities, as identified by the Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation.
For more information contact Melissa Woods, Communications Officer at CQUniversity, on 4940 7406 or 0408 893 142 or email m.l.woods@cqu.edu.au.
