THE BATTLE lines are drawn, the teams are set, and if the Miles Labor team retains government, sports clubs and infrastructure in Ipswich’s talent-rich nursery would receive a boost in the form of much-needed funding.
Last Thursday, the Premier and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum announced that a re-elected Miles Government would deliver the Dinmore Bush Rats Soccer Club $150,000 for upgrades and a new clubhouse.
“The Bushrats are one of our oldest and storied local sports clubs,” Mr McCallum said.
“A while ago their clubhouse burnt down, and it’s great to see this club back going from strength to strength.”
Marking the next step towards a tartan athletic track at the University of Southern Queensland Ipswich campus becoming a reality, Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard announced a $5 million investment commitment.
Ms Howard has been on the record as advocating for this greatly needed facility for several years, as she told Local Ipswich News.
“A synthetic athletics track will be a real game- changer for Ipswich and only a Miles Labor Government will deliver it,” she said.
“It will mean our local athletes can train on a high-performance track closer to home.”
Ms Howard said future Olympians would have a track that inspired them to reach their full potential and break world records.
“I’ve been supportive of UniSQ’s efforts to get this built and I’ve had many discussions with Vic Pascoe (President of Ipswich Athletics) about the need for a synthetic track in Ipswich,” she said.
“I want to see Ipswich athletes on the top of the medal dais at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 – this track helps them get one step closer to that dream.”
Ms Howard has also committed to an investment of $780,000 for upgraded facilities at Queens Park if the Miles Government is re-elected.
The funding would see the club replace all of its eight tennis courts so that local tennis players both young and old can continue to enjoy playing tennis at the iconic Queens Park courts.
“For 90 years, generations of tennis players have played at the historic Queens Park tennis courts, and I’m thrilled they will get a new lease of life,” Ms Howard said.
President of the Ipswich District Junior Tennis Association Matthew White said that the funding would enable the 500 members and numerous casual players and local schools to continue playing tennis at Queens Park.
