The Queensland Government is delivering much needed female facilities at the Rugby League Mackay & District playing fields to support the next generation of female players in the region.

The $1 million project will cater for the rapid growth of the women’s game in Mackay, ensuring they have access to fit-for-purpose changerooms and amenities that match the increasing demand for participation.

The commitment to deliver the changerooms comes after local MP Nigel Dalton petitioned for the investment and was backed by more than 300 community members.

The changerooms will also be adjacent to BB Print Stadium, the home of the Mackay Cutters, which is used by a range of other sports including rugby union and soccer for major fixtures.

The project will be jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Mackay Regional Council and will include two fully-serviced changerooms with dedicated female amenities.

The Queensland Government is backing grassroots sporting clubs.

Premier David Crisafulli said the new changerooms would provide greater dignity for women and girls wanting to play rugby league.

“Every Queenslander who plays sport, regardless of their gender, age or ability, deserves to have access to changerooms and facilities,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Mackay is one of Queensland’s greatest rugby league nurseries and the growth of the women’s game in the region has been outstanding.

“It’s imperative women and girls who play the game are made to feel as welcome as possible, and these new changerooms will make rugby league even more inclusive for the Mackay community.

“This upgrade is overdue and our government is delivering the infrastructure local sporting clubs need to thrive, while creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sport.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the new changerooms were a gamechanger for sport in the region.

“Having the right infrastructure in place will attract more women and girls to want to play rugby league, and that is a huge win for Mackay,” Mr Dalton said.

“This project is a direct result of listening to our local sporting clubs and the wider community over the past year. Time and again, people told me they wanted better facilities to support the growth of women's sport, and I'm proud we have been able to deliver on that feedback.

“Having the new changerooms adjacent to BB Print Stadium means female participants using that venue, whether it be for rugby league, rugby union or soccer, will also be catered for.

“This is a fantastic outcome for our community and for Mackay sport, and it's another example of what can be achieved when we listen to local people and deliver on their priorities.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was a significant win for local sport.

“We’re seeing strong participation in women’s sport right across Mackay, and these new changerooms will make it easier for more women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Mackay Regional Council is pleased to partner with the Queensland Government on a project that will deliver benefits for local clubs and the wider community for years to come.”

Mackay Cutters Board Member Emma Coburn said the upgrades would allow female players access to safe, modern and inclusive facilities that support their participation in the game.

“We’ve seen incredible growth in women’s rugby league across Mackay, and having modern, dedicated female facilities is essential to supporting that growth,” Ms Coburn said.

“This investment will help strengthen the pathway from grassroots participation through to representative rugby league and ensure the next generation of female talent can continue to thrive right here in our region.”