Sporting leaders have warned Cairns will fall behind other regional cities if the State Government does not invest more in infrastructure.
Minister for Sport Phil Reeves will host a forum to discuss the State Government’s consultation paper, Ahead of the Game, a Sport and Recreation Vision for Queensland, which focuses heavily on Cairns.
AFL Cairns president Gary Young said it was important for the Government to look at all levels of sporting facilities in the Far North.
“Sporting clubs at all levels are finding it harder and harder to get volunteers, insurances keep going up therefore a lot of assistance in terms of funding is needed,” he told The Cairns Post. “A lot of assistance is required when it comes to facilities and the upkeep of facilities. The Government needs to continue their strong influence in maintaining infrastructure programs across the board. I would like to see some money invested into an expansion of Barlow Park to make it more attractive so Cairns can host major sporting events.”
Queensland Rugby League local league administrator Pat Bailey said Cairns had the opportunity to host world-class events but was lacking sporting
infrastructure.
“There really is no excuse why Cairns shouldn’t have an international standard sporting facility such as a stadium,” she said.
State Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the forum would help provide a road map to keep sport and recreation on the right course for future generations.
“We want to work in partnership with everyone – from clubs and associations to local government and the broader community to focus our efforts on how we can get even more Queenslanders participating in sport and recreation,” he said.
Read more at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/11/07/190011_local-news.html
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 07/11/2011 12:40