Stadium’s future still undecided

THE future of Willows Sports Complex is still up in the air as the North Queensland Cowboys build their high performance centre at the new stadium.

State Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has asked Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for the State Government’s plan for the former Cowboys home ground.

“Will the Premier ensure this Queensland-owned asset is not sold and work with the people of Townsville to repurpose this stadium so that multiple users can enjoy this asset,” Mr Dametto asked. This follows increasing pressure from the community, which has asked the State Government to clarify its plans for the former 1300Smiles Stadium.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the State Government was open to all options and welcomed any interest from local proponents.

“There is a significant interest and detailed proposals have been provided to government,” he said.

“What I see is potential investment, more jobs, and more local development area, which is always welcomed. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future of the site is but we need to ensure we get bang for our buck on behalf of Townsville.”

Black River’s Troy Clive believes the stadium should remain intact for the benefit of the community.

Mr Clive said the facility should be kept as a multi sporting precinct, including greyhound and harness racing, archery, dressage, touch football, soccer and more.

Mr Clive said he wanted the State Government to give a clear answer on its plans for the sporting precinct.

Harness racing was closed down about 15 years ago, and Mr Clive said the industry was looking to a resurgence in the region.

He added that LNP Senator Susan Mcdonald and the Katter’s Australian Party had been supportive of the harness racing plans.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the facility would not change while the Cowboys continued to train there and the Government had not made any decisions about the site.