Tenders open this week for the first stage of the long-awaited Outback Entertainment Centre at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, following a ceremonial turning-of-the-first-sod at the site last Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss flew in to Longreach to perform the ceremony alongside state Member for Gregory Lachlan Millar and Longreach mayor Joe Owens, saying the federal government had committed $5 million under the Community Development Grants program to fully fund three planned upgrades at the Hall of Fame, including the first stage of the Outback Entertainment Centre.
“The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is Australia’s premier outback heritage institution. These planned upgrades will repair and maintain its current infrastructure, provide improved services to visitors and help teach visitors about our pioneering history,” Mr Truss said.
“Since it opened in 1988, the Hall of Fame has played host to over one million interstate and international visitors – providing each one with a spectacular outback experience.
“With this funding, we are ensuring it will offer new facilities and experiences for locals and visitors alike, and thrive into the future.”
Refurbishments and a new gallery devoted to the role played by Aboriginal stockmen and women, slated for official opening at the end of October, have also been made possible with the funding.
As reported by the Longreach Leader, the indoor stadium will seat 300 people and have a roof site of 10.8m.
It will be open on three sides and contain grandstand seating, a dance floor and band stage, as well as two licenced bar areas, toilets and an amenities block.
The money was originally a coalition election promise made by Tony Abbott when he visited the Hall of Fame’s inaugural campdraft to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2013.
Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott said $2.5 million from the $5 million in CDG funding had been allocated to the construction of the Outback Entertainment Centre.
“When complete, the new centre will provide a terrific venue to host events and provide a drawcard for tourism,” Mr Scott said.
“Planned works include the construction of access roads linking the facilities with the main entry, the newly completed arena, the main camping area, the stock holding yards and the museum’s car park.
“The camping area will be upgraded to accommodate at least 150 patrons, a new powered amenities block and car park will be built, and water pipes and fencing will be established.”
Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2017.