$3.19 million secured for McIndoe Park upgrades

Emerald’s McIndoe Park will undergo a significant facelift thanks to a $3.19 million grant from the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.  

This fund is a voluntary partnership proudly supported by the Queensland Government, Queensland Resources Council, and Participating Mineral Resources Industry Parties. 

The funding will facilitate the delivery of a long-awaited master plan, initially approved several years ago and reviewed in 2023. The upgrades are designed to enhance the park’s facilities and cater to the growing needs of the community.  

Key upgrades include: 

Expansion of field three: The field will be extended to full size, making it suitable for both training and matches.  New announcers’ box: The current announcers’ box will be demolished and replaced with a modern, fit-for-purpose structure with views of two fields.  Relocation of the Bob Love Clubhouse: The beloved clubhouse will be moved to a new location next to the function centre.  Underground electricity lines: Moving the electricity lines underground will enable the expansion of field three.  New car park and bus drop-off area: Construction of a new carpark with line marking, garden beds, and bollards, along with external lighting for the car park area.  Revised car park access: The existing car park access from Opal Street will be relocated to the newly constructed entrance to the botanic gardens. 

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Janice Moriarty said with the upgrades McIndoe Park will significantly improve this sporting facility for local sporting clubs as well as visiting players and teams.   

‘The new field and facilities will allow us to host major events, bring in teams and spectators from across the region, and put us on the map as a premier sporting destination.’  

McIndoe Park currently supports over 1,040 players from 8 rugby league clubs, along with a rugby union club, and regularly hosts visiting teams from surrounding regions.  

The addition of a third full-size field is expected to greatly increase the park’s capacity to host games and provide training space, which has been in short supply.  

‘For years, junior league teams and school sports have faced challenges due to the limited availability of field space, and often the senior teams need to find other locations for training.   

‘The new upgrades will mean there are plenty of fields and first-class facilities for all clubs and users within the Central Highlands and from beyond,’ Mayor Moriarty said.  

Work on the upgrades is expected to begin in late 2024.