LNP commits $800,000 to new Indoor Hockey Facility in Mackay

Mackay, QLD – Hockey Queensland (HQ), Hockey Australia (HA) and the Mackay Hockey Association (MHA) today welcomed the LNP's recent announcement of an $800,000 commitment towards the construction of a new Indoor Hockey Hall in Mackay, should they be elected next month.

HQ CEO Alison Lyons expressed her gratitude and excitement about the LNP’s commitment and its significance for the sport across the state.

“We are incredibly grateful to the LNP for recognising the importance of investing in hockey infrastructure at such a pivotal time for the sport,” Ms Lyons said.

“This facility will allow Mackay to host elite-level competitions, while also providing crucial training spaces for local athletes, helping Queensland continue to produce world-class players.

“The commitment to the kind of facility investment is a step in the right direction for hockey in Queensland, and we welcome further conversations with all candidates in the upcoming Queensland State Election as we continue advocating for similar commitments to enhance our sport across the state.”

The LNP’s funding announcement follows the release of the 2024 Queensland Election Brief by HQ and HA, which detailed the vital need for infrastructure to stimulate growth at both grassroots and elite levels of hockey across Queensland.

Ms Lyons said that the planned facility in Mackay is part of a broader vision to ensure that Queensland develops both high-performance athletes and strong community participation in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“The facility will enable Mackay to attract key state and national indoor tournaments, providing much-needed capacity for local teams and athletes to train and compete year-round. It will transform Mackay into a hub for hockey in North Queensland, reducing the need to travel long distances for competition and training.”

Melissa Sorensen, Treasurer of Mackay Hockey Association, also highlighted the immense local impact of this project: “This critical investment supports the need for enhancing hockey infrastructure in regional Queensland, particularly in a growing area for the sport like Mackay.

“With Mackay having produced eight Olympians and currently fostering 11 athletes identified as potential competitors for the 2032 Olympics, this new facility will ensure that we continue to grow our strong tradition of producing elite athletes,” Ms Sorensen said.

“As a local sporting association committed to giving back to our community, we are also thrilled to co-contribute one-third of the total project cost and look forward to making this vision a reality.”

HQ, HA and MHA are committed to working with all candidates and political parties contesting the upcoming Queensland State Election, as well as community stakeholders to ensure all efforts are made to deliver world-class facilities that will benefit not only hockey, but the wider sporting ecosystem in Mackay.

MHA expresses its appreciation to LNP candidate Nigel Dalton for his support and looks ahead with optimism to the future of hockey in Queensland.