The deputy premier says planning and procurement is well underway for the Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion and other Olympic infrastructure in the region, guaranteeing they will be delivered before the Games.
Jarrod Bleijie told Sunshine Coast News that multiple local projects will be completed before Brisbane 2032 but it’s unclear exactly when construction will start at the stadium, which will host football preliminaries.
The project is in the planning and approvals phase, after a delay and a review of Brisbane 2032 venues.
Mr Bleijie said the state government was “delivering for the Sunshine Coast, with a record investment in critical infrastructure and world-class venues, which will be delivered ahead of the 2032 Games”.
“Games delivery on the Sunshine Coast is powering ahead, with the 2032 Delivery Plan identifying Sunshine Coast Stadium to be transformed and tenders for the principal design consultants for this venue now closed,” he said.
“The stadium’s permanent seating capacity will increase 10-fold from 1046 to 10,680, creating a lasting legacy that will attract major sporting, recreational and entertainment events to the region.”
The expansion and increased capacity of the stadium should attract more high-profile national and international events, helping to drive local tourism and support local businesses.
The stadium is being delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), as a part of the $7.1 billion Games Venue Infrastructure Program that is funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments.
It’s believed the state government is assessing the tenders for the upgrade, but it’s not yet known when design and construction contracts will be awarded.
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The anticipated project timeline includes the design phase from 2026 to 2028, early works from 2027 to 2028, construction from 2028 to 2030, a commissioning phase and venue completion in 2030.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the design phase and a planned rail and bus terminal nearby would determine access and exit points to the stadium.
“The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail project, particularly the (planned) rail station at Birtinya, presents a key opportunity to transport large crowds to the stadium, and will inform planning for main entry and exit points,” they said.
The region’s main rugby league club, the Sunshine Coast Falcons, will be affected during the upgrade.
“Council continues to work closely with the club to identify alternative game day locations and ensure a smooth transition throughout the construction period,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Bleijie said the stadium upgrade was one of a handful of major projects the state government was pursuing in the region, prior to the Games.
“The Maroochydore CBD will be transformed with a new integrated athletes’ village, arena and cultural precinct that will deliver more homes for Queenslanders after the Games, alongside major investments in transport infrastructure such as The Wave,” he said.
An Olympic mountain bike course will also be established at Parklands.
“After years of delay, the Crisafulli Government is delivering on its promise to Queenslanders and ensuring every venue and village is completed in time for the 2032 Games, securing a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” he said.
“Planning and procurement for the Sunshine Coast is well underway.”
Mr Bleijie said the projects will also help “cater for a growing population and protect the lifestyle of local communities”.
The Falcons stated that they are working through their position with the state government and the local council.
