Major makeover for Mackay stadium
Sports fans in Mackay will have reason to celebrate today with the first sod turned on the redevelopment of the Great Barrier Reef Arena at Harrup Park sporting complex.
Jointly funded through the Queensland Government ($10 million), Australian Government ($10 million) and Mackay Cricket Association ($4.2 million), Stage 1 of the project will include a new covered grandstand, elite player, match official and broadcast facilities and an expanded capacity for more than 10,000 people.
The new redeveloped arena will create an international standard sporting venue capable of hosting major international and national competitions, as well as cultural concerts and events.
During construction, the project will support approximately 80 jobs and once open will boost tourism as it attracts major sporting codes for training and games.
Stage 1 is expected to be complete by late 2022, with plans for Stage 2 currently underway which include gym and community sports training facilities, accommodation for regional sports programs, education spaces and high-performance training capacity.