Completion of a new amenities block at Barmaryee Multisport Precinct to maximise participation in local sport

Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland, Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and members of the Capricorn Coast Netball Association officially opened the new amenities block at Barmaryee Multisport Precinct today, thanks to a $500,000 investment under the Queensland Government’s new Activate Queensland Strategy. 
 
Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, Councillor Pat Eastwood, said the decision to build the new block follows the growing popularity of local sport and the number of female participants signing up. 
 
“We all know that regular physical exercise is good for your body, mind, and spirit, so it is fantastic to see the increase of females joining our local netball, touch football, junior rugby league, oztag, and school sports teams,” he said. 
 
This spike prompted the investment into more adequate facilities for female sportspeople at the Barmaryee Multisport Precinct, to maximise participation in sport and recreation activities. 
 
“On a regular basis, during netball fixtures, the male toilets have had to be opened to accommodate the demand for access to toilets for female participants,” Councillor Eastwood said.  
 
“The new block includes 15 toilets, a disability access cubicle with change table, a multi-function room, and store, giving the sporting grounds a significant and much welcomed boost. 
 
“Council would like to sincerely thank Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and the Queensland Government for their funding contribution towards this vital community project.” 
 
Member for Keppel, Brittany Lauga, said the Barmaryee Multisport Precinct is a precinct that Labor has been investing in for years in partnership with Livingstone Shire Council. 
 
“The Female Facilitates Programme aims to assist sport and recreation organisations and local governments to develop functional and inclusive female change rooms and amenities,” Ms Lauga said.  
 
“Female participation in sport is continuing to grow on the Capricorn Coast and it is important that we fund programmes that encourage more girls and women to become active. 
 
“This follows the recent $200,000 investment for female footballers on the Capricorn Coast for new change rooms and other facilities as part of $15.2 million in funded projects state-wide under the State Government.”