$2.5 million upgrades kick off at Illich Park
Date published: 15 April 2016
Work is underway to transform Illich Park into a multi-use community sporting and recreational hub in the heart of Aitkenvale.
The Palaszczuk Government and the Townsville City Council are co-funding the $2.5 million Stage 1 of the Illich Park Precinct Upgrade Project which started today.
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke and Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill inspected the work with representatives of the park’s resident group, the Aitkenvale Sports Association.
Stage 1 includes two new QRL standard rugby league playing fields, junior playing fields, training areas, lighting, park facilities, shade trees and recreational pathways.
“Our government is committed to supporting the construction of infrastructure that will help more Queenslanders get outdoors, keep active and live a healthy life,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The Illich Park Precinct Upgrade Project will align this venue with Districts Sports Park standards—bringing bigger and more prestigious sporting events to this venue.
“It will also result in a more user-friendly and inclusive facility for our community to enjoy.”
Mrs O’Rourke said the project would support more than 30 jobs for local tradies and training opportunities for apprentices during its construction.
Cr Hill said the upgrade would provide greater sporting and recreational opportunities for thousands of residents in the city’s central suburbs.
“The partnership between the Queensland Government and the council will create a multi-use community asset that will benefit the park’s resident clubs - Centrals ASA and Oztag – the nearby Aitkenvale Primary School, and the entire community,” Cr Hill said.
“Council has worked very closely with the clubs and the local community to develop an exciting plan for the park and its great news that work is now underway.”
Work on Stage 1 is expected to be completed by the end of the year ahead of the January, 2017 sporting season.
The council is contributing $1.5 million to the Stage 1 works and the Palaszczuk Government $1 million through the Get Playing Plus funding program.
Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government had recently announced a $17 million funding boost for its current round of Get Playing Plus and was now accepting project proposals until 29 April 2016.
“I encourage any club or sporting organisations that would like to expand their existing facilities, or build new ones, to jump online and check out this program,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
For more information on the opportunities available under Get in the Game visit www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegame/
