Hockey Queensland Welcomes $1.5M Commitment from Labor for Mackay Indoor Hockey Facility

Hockey Queensland (HQ), Hockey Australia (HA), and the Mackay Hockey Association (MHA) welcome the Queensland Labor Government's announcement of a $1.5 million commitment towards the construction of a new Indoor Hockey Hall in Mackay.

HQ CEO Alison Lyons expressed her gratitude, stating that the promised investment would provide a significant transformative boost for hockey in North Queensland.
 
“We are incredibly grateful to the Government for recognising the vital need to invest in regional hockey infrastructure at this pivotal time for our sport,” Ms Lyons said.

“This facility will allow Mackay to not only host competitive state and national indoor tournaments but also provide year-round training opportunities for local athletes. This is a major leap forward as we continue developing world-class players in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.”

The Government's announcement follows the release of HQ’s 2024 Election Brief, which highlighted the urgent infrastructure needs across the sport statewide.
 
“The commitment from the Government is a very welcome recognition of the importance in ensuring that hockey has the resources necessary for both grassroots and elite levels of the sport in Queensland. We look forward to further discussions and collaborative partnerships with all political candidates as we strive to secure more investment into hockey across the state,” Ms Lyons added.

Melissa Sorensen, Treasurer of Mackay Hockey Association, underscored the impact that the Government’s promised funding will have on the local community.
 
“Mackay has a strong tradition of producing top-tier athletes. This new facility will ensure that our local athletes, including 11 currently identified as potential
Olympians for Brisbane 2032, have access to the indoor spaces they need to train and compete with the best,” Ms Sorensen said.

“We are excited to be able to contribute financially as well, putting one-third towards the total project cost, and we’re thrilled to see the Queensland Government stepping up to support the future of our region.”
 
HQ. HA and the MHA remain committed to working with all Queensland political parties and candidates to secure funding for crucial new infrastructure projects.

The continued investment in hockey will not only benefit Mackay. but also contribute significantly to the wider Queensland sporting landscape as we prepare for our role in the 2032 Olympic Games.

MHA extends its sincere thanks to the Queensland Government for this essential funding boost and looks ahead to continuing the development of elite-level and grassroots hockey across North Queensland.