OCTOBER 6, 2016: A PROJECT which will drive sports tourism in Mackay and draw cricket and AFL fans from far afield will now become a reality thanks to a significant boost of Federal Government funding.I’m happy to announce that Harrup Park Country Club’s application for $497,026 in funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF) to upgrade the lighting at their Premier Oval has been successful.This means that Harrup Park will be able to meet the standards required by Cricket Australia and the AFL to host premier sporting events during the popular evening timeslot which is televised.This million dollar project ($997,026 in total) will stimulate the economy and create jobs both now and into the future.I’ve been fighting for this project and talking with the Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash about it for some time, because it’s a sports drawcard which will allow us to enjoy bigger events in Mackay and attract more sports tourists.Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the local projects funded under NSRF Round 3 made a huge difference in their communities.“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and quality local infrastructure is a big part of that,” Minister Nash said.“Whether it’s cultural and healthcare facilities, tourism infrastructure or a great sports precinct, I’m proud to be delivering to Mackay.“Some 479 applications were lodged under Round 3 - only the very best were successful.”This is a great result for Mackay, considering this was a hotly contested funding round. The project will create 8 jobs during construction and generate revenue of at least $1.5 million.A full list of successful round three National Stronger Regions Fund projects will be available on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website on Friday, 7 October at www.infrastructure.gov.au