Hockey in Brisbane is set to receive a boost, thanks to the completion of major improvements including a new hockey pitch at Burringbar Park-Chermside.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrades, which developed a second artificial hockey pitch for the park, supported 250 jobs during construction.
"These improvements not only better cater to the numerous hockey teams that play and train at the park but also create 15 ongoing local jobs, which is a fantastic outcome for the community," Mr McCormack said.
Senator for Queensland Gerard Rennick said the upgrade would cater to the high demand for hockey fields in Brisbane, with the second pitch reducing crowding at Burringbar Park and encouraging the growth of field hockey in the area.
"Currently, more than 5000 players compete in hockey games across Brisbane and this expansion ensures every player will always have a safe place to play and train," Senator Rennick said.
Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane City Council was committed to creating more opportunities for people to get active and enjoy Brisbane's outdoor lifestyle.
"Brisbane is one of Australia's great lifestyle cities and we are committed to expanding world-class sporting precincts such as Burringbar Park to meet the growing demand for community sporting facilities right across the city," Cr Schrinner said.
"Council is investing $1 million towards a second synthetic field at Burringbar Park, in partnership with the Morrison Government and the Brisbane Hockey Management Group, which will help reduce maintenance costs and allow the field to be used more often."
Local Councillor Fiona Hammond (Marchant), said the project also included the installation of a new drainage system, two hockey goals and four hockey flags and fencing around the field to enhance security.
"Burringbar Park is a training field for some of the city's up-and-coming elite athletes and this upgrade will a go a long way to support the future of our younger generations," Cr Hammond said.
The project was jointly funded with the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government providing $300,000, Brisbane City Council $1 million and Brisbane Hockey Management Group Inc. $300,000.
