Tully Showgrounds receive funding for Sporting complex

The $7.1 million Tully Multi-Use Sporting Complex project is to receive $3 million from the latest round of the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions (BoR) program, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council contributing $4 million and $22,000 coming from local football clubs.

The Tully Showgrounds sporting precinct has been used for rugby league and other junior, school and community sporting and recreational activities for more than 40 years.

Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick stated "the showgrounds are a high-profile feature of the town and are pivotal in the social and recreational life of Tully."

Council estimates the development will inject $21.3 million into the Cassowary Coast economy.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has been working towards the construction of a new Multi-Use Sporting Complex and Grandstand at the Tully Showgrounds. The Percy Pease Grandstand which was previously located in the Tully Showgrounds was closed in August, 2017 due to substantial deterioration in structural elements and was demolished in January, 2018.

Key aspects of the proposed Tully Multi-Use Sporting Complex and Grandstand Project are as follows:
• A facility that prioritises function over form;
• Emphasis on quality of spectator sightlines to arena and playing field;
• Must be easy to maintain;
• Emphasises flexibility and sharing of the facility;
• Location moved to be closer to playing fields;
• Facilities for players, teams and officials meet the National Rugby League guidelines for a regional facility;
• Caters for disability access and usage (inclusion of a lift);

Minister Dick continued “this project will result in more sporting, recreation and entertainment events coming to Tully, which will attract greater numbers of visitors to the town and help boost local business."

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor John Kremastos said the Building our Regions funding was great news for Tully, adding “this sports complex will increase the diversity and sustainability of the area by growing the range of events, activities and uses it can host, while reducing the traditional reliance on a one-off major event like the annual show.”

Through the first three rounds of BoR, Cassowary Coast Regional Council received $5,984,134 for three projects, supporting around 40 jobs.

For more information visit Building our Regions program.