Mr O'DOWD (Flynn) (13:51): The communities of Central Queensland from Bundaberg to Mackay and west to the border are united in a bid for a National Rugby League team. This is the heartland of rugby league—just look at the players produced from this area, past, present and future. The crop of juniors coming through is excellent. Not only are the NRL 'fanatics' of the region keen to see Central Queensland represented in a national competition but business and community leaders are encouraging the bid to promote the Central Queensland region as an economic powerhouse, sustaining the most exciting and liveable region in Australia.

The bid brings together a focus and vision for the future and is proudly supported by business, community and sporting leaders. The bid team is working as one with a common vision, proudly representing provincial cities, regional towns and rural communities with one goal: a Central Queensland based NRL team. Backing is forthcoming from the top echelons of CQ industries and commerce, the rugby league community of Central Queensland and fans of the game. The CQ NRL bid is now a force in itself and it is becoming unstoppable. Support is being sourced from some of the largest corporate names in Australia. This has been made possible by the region's special status as the engine room of Queensland. Make no mistake—this is a no-risk venture for the NRL.