A home needed fit for the Fire

Townsville will welcome home the Townsville Fire as five-time WNBL champions this Sunday along Flinders Street in the CBD, with the city pulling out all stops to celebrate North Queensland’s most successful national sporting team.

Mayor Nick Dametto congratulated the championship winning team and said the Townsville Fire were the pride of the north.

“The Fire have done us incredibly proud bringing home yet another championship in what was a phenomenal game,” Cr Dametto said.

“The team went all in to bring home their fifth grand final win in their 25^th year and as a city we couldn’t be more proud of them.

“We’re calling for our city to come out in force this Sunday to throw their support behind a parade and show our appreciation for the team’s amazing achievements this season.”

Off the back of the win in Perth on Sunday, Townsville’s leaders again are highlighting the need for an upgrade for the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre to be suitable as a home to the world class team.

Councillor Dametto said he would be walking a little taller this week in the nation’s capital, as he joined the region’s delegation to Canberra with Townsville Enterprise and fellow North Queensland mayors.

“We have a document loaded with critical North Queensland projects and funding opportunities, although after Sunday night’s win - none as timely as the refurbishment of the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre,” Cr Dametto said.

‘Quite frankly, the current facility is falling down around us, and is certainly not fit for a five-time championship winning team.

‘We know there is a lot of need for funding out there, which is why we’ve been reasonable in asking for $130 million to extend the life of the current facility, rather than the $360-plus million required to construct a new stadium from scratch.”

Deputy Mayor, Townsville 2032 Legacy Working Group Chair and three-time WNBL champion Suzy Batkovic said the Townsville Fire was the most decorated national sporting team in North Queensland, bringing home more championships than any of the region’s sporting sides.

“Time and time again this club has proven itself as the best team in the league,’ Cr Batkovic said.

“They have made our city proud, but this upgrade is more than just advocating for a refurbed home for the Fire – it is the multiple uses and economic activation that comes with it as a venue – as well as inspiring the next generation of athletes through hosting world-class events.

“Which is why we’re calling on all levels of Government to come to the table and recognise the talent we have right here in North Queensland and the opportunities that would come by ensuring we have a venue for decades to come. -

“While Sunday night was the time for celebration, today we get to work calling for funding to bring TECC up to scratch – it was great to have the Premier here for the first grand final game, where he saw firsthand the talent on display and support from our community.

“Refurbishment of the TECC is a viable alternative to the construction of a new facility, extending the asset lifespan by a further 20 years. Without a facility we’re at risk of missing out on events and worse, possibly losing a home for the Townsville Fire.

“By securing the funds to refurbish TECC, we can ensure the facility meets the International Basketball Federation specifications and enhance accessibility for all spectators to enjoy the multipurpose facility.

“After a championship win and in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 games – this funding couldn’t come soon enough. While the Townsville Fire have created a legacy of their own, collectively as leaders – local, state and federal, we all need to make sure the 2032 Games are enabling those legacy opportunities to continue in the lead up to, and well after the games finish.”

Councillor Dametto encouraged locals to join Townsville Fire supporters in congratulating the five-time Championship winning team this Sunday 8 March, from 9am-11am for the official championship celebration at Cotters Markets in the Townsville City Centre.

“It’s a wonderful chance for all Fire fans young and old to meet the team and see the trophy up close. Townsville couldn’t ask for better role models and Council are delighted to support this club both on and off the floor,” Cr Dametto said.

Townsville City Council is proud to be a long-standing partner of the Townsville Fire.