STAFF WRITER
The new Queen Elizabeth Park rugby league clubhouse was officially opened today, Saturday, August 29 and Casino RSM Cougars players are thrilled.
The former clubhouse building was damaged in the 2022 flood.
The $1.6million clubhouse was jointly funded by Federal and State governments through the Community Assets Program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the joint investment will positively impact locals across Richmond Valley for years to come.
Minister for Recovery and State MP Janelle Saffin said sporting facilities are at the very heart of our local communities.
“By investing in modern, accessible spaces like the Queen Elizabeth Park Clubhouse, we are giving the Casino community the top-tier sporting facilities they deserve, and I thank Richmond Valley Council for their outstanding work in bringing this project to life.”
Mayor Robert Mustow said Casino had a long and proud history of producing exceptional rugby league players at NRL, State of Origin and national level.
“The new clubhouse will ensure this traditional continues well into the future.
“It is great to see this exciting new project which will help encourage and build our junior, women’s and men’s sides, as well as bring new events to the Richmond Valley.”
Richmond Valley Council received $8.1million in funding through the Community Assets Program for a total of six projects, including the construction of an iconic suspension bridge across the Richmond River in Casino, new facilities for the Woodburn Pony Club, Woodburn Tennis Club, and Woodburn Memorial Hall, as well as Casino Netball and Casino Memorial Pool Swimming Club.