Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently attended the official opening of Hervey Bay Hockey's new $805,000 playing facilities. It was only in September last year that I had the absolute pleasure of turning the first sod on that project. This project shows how governments and not-for-profit organisations and businesses can partner for the benefit of regional communities.

During the 2013 federal election I committed $350,000 to the Hervey Bay Hockey Association for artificial turf. The funding was provided through the Australian government's $350 million Community Development Grants Program. Whilst in government, the state LNP also contributed $100,000 through the Get Playing program. The local hockey community spent the past 15 years fundraising $300,000 to contribute towards the project. The project was also supported by Fraser Coast Regional Council, the Hervey Bay RSL and local business Con Souvlis Betta Home Living.

The new state-of-the-art facilities and synthetic playing surface will enable the association to host quite significant events, which will attract visitors from outside the region and boost the local economy. Ultimately, the aim of projects like this is to ensure Hinkler residents enjoy the proven benefits of exercise and team sports. Catering to the challenging and dynamic needs of young Queenslanders, local sporting clubs like the Hervey Bay Hockey Association perform an extremely important role in our community.

I appreciate the countless hours spent and the enormous collective effort involved in successfully running a club. I would especially like to congratulate association secretary Cathy Milijasevic. It was a great job and it would not have been possible without her. (Time expired)