Illich Park upgrades a win for Aitkenvale families

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

Mayor Jenny Hill

New Illich Park Precinct upgrades have been officially opened, paving the way for thousands of local sport lovers to get active at the improved facilities.

The upgrades include two full-sized rugby league fields with new lighting that’s suitable for club competition, as well as two mid-sized fields and a new internal path.

Representing Sport Minister Mick de Brenni, Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said Illich Park was a wonderful asset for the local community, and the upgrades would help keep Townsville kids and families active.

“These facilities will directly benefit more than 30 local rugby league teams across two clubs, and over 1,500 Oztag players who train, meet and compete at the park each week,” she said.

“And it’s not just for sports clubs - Aitkenvale State School, the Army, local cultural and recreation groups will benefit from the park becoming a more user-friendly and inclusive facility.”

The Illich Park upgrades were funded through Round 1 of the Get Playing Plus program, including $1 million from the State Government and $1.5 million from Townsville City Council.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the city’s parks were the cornerstone of life in Townsville and it was pleasing to see the result of the extensive upgrade to Illich Park into a safe, functional and vibrant part of the central suburbs.

“The partnership with the State Government has led to a great result for the local community and associated sporting clubs and will encourage recreational opportunities for residents into the future,” she said.

Minister de Brenni said Get Playing Plus provided grants of between $300,000 and $1.5 million to support new projects and major upgrades to existing facilities that support participation in sport and recreation activities.

“It is one of four funding programs that make up the three year $100 million Get in the Game investment to support grassroots sport and recreation,” he said

For more information on the opportunities available under Get in the Game visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegame/