Opposition Leader Bill Shorten
Opposition leader Bill Shorten is wasting no time launching his attack against Australia's new Prime Minister designate Malcolm Turnbull. “The thing about Malcolm, is it’s always about Malcolm," he said on Tuesday September 15, 2015. Youtube/Australian Labor

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced a financial commitment of $100 million to help the North Queensland Cowboys team get a new rugby league stadium in Townsville. The announcement came after co-captain Jonathan Thurston expressed his wish for a new stadium in October.

After his team’s victory in the maiden premiership against the Brisbane Broncos in Sydney, Thurston said that the region deserved a new stadium. The commitment made by the opposition leader would be a great help in making the stadium, the estimated cost of which is around $250 million.

Shorten advocated his decision, saying that a world class footy team should have world class amenities at the same time. Shorten’s fund will be an addition to the $100 million already promised by the Australian government. Though Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull did not offer any funds for the purpose yet, he has shown his support to the Townsville civic leaders.

The existing stadium for the team can accommodate only 26,500 people and is located 20 kilometres from Townsville CBD. Shorten told Fairfax Media that NRL fans in far north Queensland get a second-class treatment so far as national sporting facilities are concerned. Most of the funds from federal government are utilised for infrastructure projects in the south, while the amenities to be facilitated in the north are ignored.

Shorten will announce his financial commitment for the world class team in Townsville on Wednesday. “The 1300SMILES Stadium has undergone improvements over the last 20 years to meet minimum standards to host the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL ... and will be reaching the end of its useful life within the next decade,” he said as reported by 9News .

Shorten also claimed that the stadium has an ability to attract tourists and encourage major events, thereby enhancing local businesses. In addition, the stadium, once newly built, will enhance employment opportunities in Townsville and boost local economy.

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