Big Bash draw highlights need for Riverway lighting upgrade
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson says today’s Big Bash League Cricket draw highlights the need for an upgrade to lighting at Riverway Stadium.
The draw shows Townsville missing out on a night-time BBL game to Cazalys Stadium in Cairns when the Brisbane Heat take on the Melbourne Renegades on December 15 at 7:15pm. Cricket Australia has previously said the lack of broadcast-standard lighting at Riverway meant night-time Townsville Big Bash fixtures weren’t an option.
Mr Thompson said it demonstrated the need for the $6-million upgrade, which was committed to by the Coalition during the federal election but was not matched by Labor.
“The BBL draw shows yet again that we’re missing out on major, nationally-broadcast sporting fixtures that could be injecting millions into our economy and inspiring our young athletes,” he said.
“We can’t afford to let this drag on any longer. This project has widespread community support as we saw during the election campaign.
“It won’t just bring to regular Big Bash League cricket and Australian Football League matches to Townsville, it will be a boost to the local AFL and cricket competitions.
“It’s clear Cricket Australia wants to bring the BBL to North Queensland – but it’s not their fault they’ve had to skip Townsville and go to Cairns.”
It comes as $19M in State Government funding was announced for a National Cricket Campus in Brisbane this morning, and amidst calls earlier in the week for major works at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane to bring it up to scratch to host blockbuster matches when the Gabba closes for Olympic redevelopment in 2025.
Cricket Australia and AFL Queensland identified Riverway Stadium as being able to meet some of that need, but only with the lighting upgrade to enable night matches to be broadcast.
Mr Thompson said Townsville must have a seat at the table in the discussions about alternate venues when the Gabba closes.
“The Federal and State Governments must act quickly to ensure Townsville doesn’t miss out on a critical opportunity to attract national AFL and international cricket games.
“This week we’ve seen talk of major works at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane to transform it into a backup cricket and AFL venue.
“These are conversations happening right now, and lighting at Riverway Stadium in Townsville needs to be part of these conversations, otherwise we will miss out on opportunities to the South-East again.
“This could be our best chance yet to get this long-awaited project off the ground.”
Mr Thompson said the Federal or State Government needed to fund the project after it received widespread community support during the federal election.
“I’m calling on the State and Federal Governments to ensure Riverway Stadium is part of the package of works that receives investment as part of our Olympic preparations,” he said.
“I’ll also be including the project in a wider budget submission for the October 2022 Budget.
“Cricket Australia wants this, AFL Queensland wants this, the community wants this, there’s a good proposal on the table – now’s the time to strike.”
ENDS