Hervey Bay Hockey turns sod on new playing surface

The first sod has today been turned on works to upgrade Hervey Bay Hockey’s playing facilities.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the milestone showed how Governments and community organisations can partner for the benefit of regional communities.

“Having State and Federal LNP Governments working together, clearly has its benefits,” Mr Pitt said. 

“During the 2013 Federal Election I committed $350,000 to the Hervey Bay Hockey Association for artificial turf, and I’m pleased to be delivering on that promise.

“This funding will enable the Association to potentially host quite significant events, which will attract visitors from outside the region to boost the local economy.

“The ultimate aim of projects like this is to ensure Hinkler residents enjoy the proven benefits of exercise and team sports.”

State Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen said the State Government had contributed $100,000 through the Get Playing Program.

“As a local club, catering to the challenging and dynamic needs of young Queenslanders who wish to get involved in sport, the Hervey Bay Hockey Association is performing an extremely important role in our community,” Mr Sorensen said.

“I appreciate the countless hours spent and the enormous collective effort involved in successfully running a club.”

Hervey Bay Hockey Association Secretary Cathy Milijasevic said the upgrade was a significant achievement for the HBHA and its members, who spent 15 years fundraising to contribute $300,000 towards the project.

“It would not have been possible without the support and commitment of Mr Pitt and Mr Sorensen,” Ms Milijasevic said.

“We are excited to be providing a state-of-the-art facility to the community, which will help us continue to promote the sport in our region and across the state.”

Hockey Queensland Chief Executive Officer Louisa Begley said regional hockey associations were important components to growing and developing hockey in Queensland.

“The funding from the State and Federal Governments will go a long way to ensuring the Hervey Bay Hockey Association can provide school-based, local and regional competitions for children and parents, to develop our talented players of the future.”

[ENDS] Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814