Townsville Hockey Welcomes Labor’s $300,000 Election Commitment towards Solar and Lighting Upgrades

Townsville, QLD – Hockey Queensland (HQ), Hockey Australia (HA) and Townsville Hockey Association (THA) today expressed their appreciation to the Queensland Labor Party for its $300,000 election commitment to support crucial upgrades to Townsville’s hockey infrastructure.

The funding, as part of the Queensland Government’s broader sporting infrastructure commitments ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, will enable THA to begin Phase 1 of their 10-year development plan. This phase focuses on energy efficiency upgrades, specifically the expansion of solar power, installation of LED lighting for Field 2 and upgrades to existing LED lights on Field 1. The funding will also be used to further the association’s commitment to being a sun safe porting association with additional shade areas around the facility.

THA President Mr. Chris Grew welcomed the commitment, stating: “This funding brings us closer to creating a facility that is both sustainable and capable of hosting international-caliber competitions. It will not only support our local athletes but also enhance Townsville’s position as a hub for hockey in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.”

Phase 1 Highlights Include:

Solar Power Expansion: A critical initiative to reduce energy costs in line with Queensland’s sustainability objectives.
LED Lighting on Field 2: Upgrading current lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, improving match quality and cutting costs.
Broadcast-Level LED Lighting for Field 1: Enabling the venue to meet international broadcasting standards for future high-profile games and Olympic lead-up events.
Shade area on grandstands and around the grounds for players and spectators.

Steph Kershaw OLY, a Townsville native, is a two-time Olympian and a key member of the Hockeyroos, highlighted the importance of grassroots investment: "Growing up playing hockey in Townsville, I’ve seen firsthand how regional sport can shape young athletes and give them the belief that they can reach the highest levels. Investment in facilities like these ensures that future generations will have access to the resources they need to succeed.

“Hockey has a bright future across Queensland, but it requires consistent grassroots support to ensure regional athletes get the same opportunities as those from metropolitan areas.”

Hockey Queensland CEO Ms. Alison Lyons confirmed the importance of this milestone: "The Queensland Government’s investment in Townsville sends a positive message about the value of regional sport ahead of Brisbane 2032. This funding is a significant step forward for hockey in North Queensland, helping to create pathways for local talent to reach the international stage."

Hockey Australia CEO Mr. David Pryles reinforced Ms. Lyons comments in highlighting what a powerhouse Townsville and the North Queensland region has been for hockey participation and the development of high-performance athletes.

“From a participation and high-performance perspective, Townsville has been a hockey powerhouse for decades. But, like any successful enterprise, we cannot produce athletes in a vacuum, so this Election commitment is a very welcome promised investment that will enable HQ, HA and the THA continue to development and delivery a legacy for the sport in Townsville.”

The Townsville Hockey Association is grateful for Labor’s election commitment and is looking forward to working collaboratively with both state and national sporting bodies to ensure the successful delivery of the wider infrastructure project.

Hockeyroos and Kookaburras from Townsville/NQ alone:

Merv Crossman - Tokyo (1964), Rome (1960)
Barry Malcolm - Rome (1960)
Jim Mason - Munich (1972), Mexico (1968)
Robyn Boniface - selected for Moscow (1980)
Kay Lehmann - Hockeyroos and Member of the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame
Renita Garard - Atlanta (2004), Sydney (2000 – Gold Medallist)
Baedon Choppy - Atlanta (1996)
Stephen Colledge - Kookaburra
Teneal Attard - Beijing (2008), London (2012)
Janita Ogilvie - Hockeyroo
Robbie Hammond - Athens (2004 - Gold Medallist), Beijing (2008)
Nathan Burgers - London (2012)
Stephanie Kershaw - Tokyo (2020) and selected for Paris
Joel Rintala, 2024 Kookaburras squad member.