Upgrades to Hughenden’s main sporting facility are set to boost participation rates in the North West town.
The Flinders Shire Council received $100,000 in funding for improvements to the Hughenden Showgrounds sports facility, including the creation of a separate playing field.
The funding from the State Government’s Get Playing Places and Spaces initiative has helped purchase new goal posts, fencing, turf and an irrigation system as well as laser-levelling of the grounds.
A number of clubs and competitions use the facility, including the Hughenden Bulls Rugby League Club, Mid-West Local League, Hughenden Hawks Junior Rugby League Club and the Hughenden Touch Association.
Flinders Shire Council Community Services Manager Sherilee Honnery said since the upgrades were completed the grounds have started to green up nicely after the town received good rain over the last couple of weeks.
“Before the upgrades were carried out we had all sports sharing the same field which was causing date clashes, but now that we have a standalone football field, it’ll make event logistics a lot easier to manage,” Ms Honnery said.
“We’ll have Member for Mt Isa Rob Katter here to officially open the new look sports grounds on Saturday, February 27.
“There will be matches played on the day between the Hughenden Bulls and Richmond Tigers and the Winton Devils will play the Townsville Bohle Bull Terriers.
“Members of the Townsville Blackhawks league squad will also be paying the town a visit on the day.”
Member for Mt Isa Rob Katter said rugby league is an institution in Hughenden.
“It’s a very proud sporting town with many dedicated volunteers and a supportive council who ensure the success of local competitions,” Mr Katter said.
“These improvements will make it easier for clubs to attract new members and also offer enhanced opportunities for current members,” he said.
“It will be a big boost to get more residents of Hughenden active and living a healthy lifestyle through playing sport.
“Improving these facilities will also help cultivate the next crop of sporting stars from Hughenden locals, following in the footsteps of NRL players Chris Grevsmuhl and Justin O’Neill.
“Of course, sports in regional communities can’t be successful without a number of integral sporting volunteers, which Hughenden is lucky enough to have many of.”
