Representatives of the Toowoomba Hockey Association have met with the Independent Candidate for Groom, Suzie Holt, to seek her support for their plans to develop their facility at Glenvale.

President Eddie Schasser and Secretary Michael Truskinger presented their broad proposal for an initial $4m for the upgrade of the grandstand and multipurpose facilities.

“The Toowoomba Hockey Association has been visionary in their development and planning over many years.

“Their facility at Glenvale is very impressive as it is, and their vision for this development, on completion, will enable them to not only grow their sport but also contribute more broadly to the economic activity of Toowoomba.

“Hockey is a major Olympic sport and with their proposed upgrades, the Toowoomba Hockey Association will be able to host international teams prior to the Games as part of their training and acclimatisation.

“As yet the surface for the Olympics has not been announced however the Toowoomba Hockey Association will be ready to upgrade their surfaces to that of the Olympic Games standard.

“That development will be Stage II with the announcement of the surface not being made until 2027.

“In the meantime, however, the upgrade of the grandstand and the multipurpose facilities can be done in readiness for the new surfaces,” Ms Holt said.

Ms Holt was also very impressed with the Toowoomba Hockey Association’s commitment to its junior development programs.

“Toowoomba has seen many of its juniors go on to play for Australia.

“It’s a real credit to them to the way they have put in place pathways for their boys and girls.

“So not only will the proposed development benefit the community and the elite players, it will also provide encouragement to our younger community members to be the best that they can.

“I am committed to working with the Toowoomba Hockey Association to help them in making their vision a reality,” Ms Holt said.