The Federal Government won’t yet commit to $20 million towards the proposed Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion but Sunshine Coast Council wants the project to be ‘shovel ready’ should the funding become available.
An important part of that is obtaining the planning approval for the expansion project, which would see capacity lifted to almost 17,000.
In January, Council submitted the development application to the Queensland Government via the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) process and the government on Tuesday started the required 20-business day community consultation period.
The MID application process means council does not assess its own development application. It is commonly used for community infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and sporting clubs.
“While the project cannot now proceed on its original timeline, submitting the development application to the Queensland Government was an important step towards having the project ready to proceed in the future, if and when Federal Government funding is secured,” Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said.
“Whilst we are obviously disappointed by the Federal Government’s decision, we will continue to work with their representatives to convince them of the need for this project, the strong local support it enjoys and to secure the required $20 million.
“Ultimately, an expanded Sunshine Coast Stadium will help to address a missing piece of economic and community infrastructure for a region of our size and its projected growth.
“As a stimulus project, the Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion ticks all the boxes. More than 300 jobs would be created during construction and over $25 million in ongoing annual economic benefits for the region.”
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The MID application proposes an expansion of the stadium to a seating capacity to 11,618 (from 1046) with a total capacity of 16,618 (from about 11,500).
The stadium expansion would include construction of a new eastern grandstand that would seat just over 8000 spectators and include food and beverage outlets and amenities.
It would also include an expansion of the existing western grandstand to seat 3533 spectators and add improved facilities for athletes and officials, multi-purpose community spaces, improved first aid facilities, improved amenities and an enhanced hospitality and function offering,
The southern and northern mounds would still accommodate around 5000 spectators.
The $68 million expansion was set to be funded by Sunshine Coast Council and local philanthropists ($28 million) and the Queensland Government ($20 million) with the remaining $20 million sought – and expected – from the Federal Government.
However, the Federal Government’s decision – outlined at a meeting this week – has created a $20 million shortfall and put the plan in jeopardy.
Consultation
If you would like to view the stadium expansion plans and make a submission, visit the Queensland Government website – http://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/id-consultations
Submissions close March 17, 2021.
Submissions can be made via the website, email to infrastructuredesignation@dsdmip.qld.gov.au or post to GPO Box 611, Brisbane, QLD, 4001.
To discuss the proposal, please contact the Infrastructure Designations team within the Queensland Government Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning on 1300 967 433 or at the above email address.
For more information about the expansion project visit council’s website http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Planning-and-Projects/Major-Regional-Projects/Sunshine-Coast-Stadium-Expansion
