Sporting fields at Rockhampton’s Kettle Park are set to come to life at night with the upcoming addition of new lighting to cater for the Region’s growing sporting community.
Rockhampton Regional Council secured $250,000 under the Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure Program for LED Lighting, which Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said will be a game-changer for local sports.
“We’re extremely grateful to receive funding from the State Government to support the Kettle Park lighting project which is a collaborative effort between Council, The Cathedral College and Queensland Rugby League,” Cr Rutherford said.
“As a strong sporting community, it will not only cater to the pressing need for well-lit sporting fields but also allow greater participation and create more opportunities for our local clubs with more night-time training and match play.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said it is important we provide the purpose-built infrastructure needed to encourage more participation in sport.
“Sporting clubs are a cornerstone of our communities, and we need to ensure they have the quality-built facilities that can attract even more people to get involved.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s Minor Infrastructure Program is part of our commitment to backing community sport and recreation clubs build and upgrade the inclusive, safe facilities they need, and their members deserve.
“When we invest in quality sporting infrastructure we’re investing in grassroots sport, and we are encouraging more people to play and volunteer which contributes to a healthier, more active Queensland.”
The Cathedral College Principal Rob Alexander said the College is excited to partner with the Queensland Government, Rockhampton Regional Council and Queensland Rugby League to bring competition-level lighting of two fields at Kettle Park to fruition.
“The College is the major partner in the $700,000 project to benefit both school and community sports groups,” Mr Alexander said.
“The College has an exceptionally inclusive approach to sporting groups and Kettle Park has played host to Soccer, Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL, Cricket, Oz Tag, American Football, Athletics and Cross Country.
Queensland Rugby League Central Region Manager Rob Crow said the recent funding announcement from the Department of Tourism, Innovation & Sport to provide lighting at Kettle Park is a great example of regional collaboration.
“With the imminent closure of Browne Park to be upgraded to stadium level, it highlighted a shortfall for lit rectangular sporting fields in Rockhampton for teams to train and play, and this project will certainly ease this predicament,” Mr Crow said.
Works on the lighting infrastructure upgrade are due to commence in October this year, with an estimated completion date of February 2024.
