Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Keppel Bay Sailing Club has been a pillar of the Yeppoon community for more than six decades. Since its establishment in 1957, it has been more than just a sailing club; it has been a place where locals come together, where young people discover their passion for the ocean and where the Capricorn Coast has built a reputation for producing some of Australia's finest sailors. But, as our region continues to grow both in population and as a tourist destination, it became clear that this institution needed to evolve to meet the demands of the future. The club had outgrown its facilities, and there was a real opportunity to create a world-class venue that would not only serve our local sailing community but also drive economic growth and give new opportunities to the Capricorn Coast. That's why I successfully fought to secure $20 million in federal funding to redevelop the Keppel Bay Sailing Club into a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit locals, businesses and visitors alike.

Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Hear, hear!

Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

And the former Deputy Prime Minister was very helpful in that as well.

This investment is not just about improving a building; it's about investing in the future of our region. The new Keppel Bay Sailing Club now supports over 100 local jobs and is attracting major corporate and sporting events, putting our region on the map and bringing in much-needed tourism dollars. Let's be clear, this kind of investment doesn't happen by accident; it happens because the coalition understands the importance of regional infrastructure. Unlike Labor, who continues to neglect the needs of rural and regional Australians, the coalition delivers real, tangible outcomes, projects that create jobs, grow local economies and strengthen our communities.

Thanks to this redevelopment, the Capricorn Coast now boasts a world-class venue that will drive economic activity for decades to come. The stunning new convention centre overlooks the pristine Keppel Islands. It has already become a drawcard for high-profile events, like the Capricorn business awards. This means more visitors to our region, more heads on beds in our hotels, more customers in our cafes and restaurants and more money in the pockets of hard-working local business owners.

But it's not just about tourism and business; it's about preserving and enhancing a community institution that has been at the heart of Yeppoon for generations. The Keppel Bay Sailing Club has provided a home for local sailors, a gathering place for families, an identity for the Capricorn Coast. Thanks to this investment, it will continue to do so for generations to come. This is the kind of investment our region deserves—one that supports local jobs, boosts the economy and ensures the Capricorn Coast continues to thrive. And this is what the coalition will always fight for—real investment, real outcomes and a stronger future for our regional communities. The Keppel Bay Sailing Club has been an institution for over 60 years, and now, thanks to this redevelopment, it is entering a bold new era.