Sport
10 April, 2025
Cash splash for Blair clubs
CANDIDATES from both major parties in the Blair electorate have committed more than $1 million towards upgrading the Fernvale Sports Park’s Netball Courts.
LNP candidate, Carl Mutzelburg, announced on April 5 that an elected LNP government would grant $1.4 million to the facility.
“Due to limited courts, Somerset Storm Netball currently have to go out to Ipswich and Goodna to compete,” Mr Mutzelburg said.
“This funding ensures the Somerset Storm Netball have the chance to grow here, play here, and compete here in the Somerset.”
Incumbent Labor MP, Shayne Neumann, matched and exceeded LNP’s election promise, committing $1.6 million.
“This announcement is a terrific outcome for the Fernvale community and builds on Federal Labor’s record of delivery for the Somerset Region,” Mr Neumann said.
“The new facilities will create a modern, safe, and inclusive space for netballers to grow and thrive, with a growing number of women and girls playing the sport.
“It’s going to mean a local netball club like the Somerset Storm Netball Club can play competitions at Fernvale Sports Park, which they haven’t been able to do.”
Upgrades will include four new netball courts, lighting, seating, shading, and improvements to the fences and hoops.
This is just one of a string of election promises from both LNP and Labor candidates to upgrade various sporting facilities in the electorate.
Mr Mutzelburg also announced that, if elected, the LNP would commit $450,000 to upgrade the Kilcoy Showgrounds.
Improvements at the Showgrounds will include upgrading the lighting to LEDs, installing new concrete floors, roofs, a servery, and upgrading the rodeo arena drainage.
Kilcoy Rodeo president, Robbie Christie, said the funding would be a game changer for the clubs that use the grounds.
“These upgrades will provide greater safety for our patrons and competitors,” Mr Christie said.
“It will mean a huge saving on one of our largest expenses, and will allow Kilcoy Rodeo Committee to return more funds from the event straight back to the many community associations that support our Rodeo.”
The Somerset Council welcomed the funding commitment, noting that it will support three significant projects in the 2024 Showgrounds Network Review.
Mr Neumann, on April 7, committed $4.05 million to redevelop the Lowood Swimming Pool, if re-elected.
The upgrades are designed to cater for the growing population and increased demand for pool access.
These improvements will include an enclosed pool, improved disability access, and a new clubhouse.
An enclosed pool would allow the facility to remain open year-round and offer learn-to-swim, aqua aerobics, and hydrotherapy activities through the year, creating a new recreational asset for the Lower Somerset Region.
This follows successful trials of extended seasons in 2023 and 2024, and a petition to Somerset Council from pool users in 2024 to have the facility stay open all year.
Mr Neumann said this commitment would help boost the pool’s patronage.
“We know this is what local residents want, and I want to thank them and Somerset Regional Council for their advocacy for this project,” he said.
Somerset Council thanked Mr Neumann for the commitment, as it would allow for a greater scope of activities at the Lowood Pool, following record levels of attendance since 2022.
On March 22, Mr Mutzelburg also announced a $1 million election promise for upgrades at the Esk Showgrounds.
Improvements would be made to the dining room and associated facilities, ensuring a high-quality, affordable venue for community groups and events.
“I’ve had strong feedback from locals about the need for upgrades to the facilities at the Showgrounds to ensure it can continue to deliver successful events,” Mr Mutzelburg said.
“This project will allow more people to enjoy the Esk Show and boost the local tourism sector by increasing options for other events here.”
Esk Show Society president, Michele Arnold, welcomed the funding promise.
“This investment will enhance the showgrounds’ ability to support local gatherings, creating lasting benefits for the entire Somerset Region,” she said.
