The City of Moreton Bay is set to benefit from a $205.5 million legacy sporting facility that will serve as a state-of-the-art venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre project has been endorsed by the Federal and Queensland Governments, with a project validation report (PVR) now complete and a green light given for procurement to begin.
Funding for the project will come from the joint $1.87 billion Queensland-Federal Minor Venues Program.
The new facility is proposed to consist of 12 multi-sport courts (across two separate halls) with the flexibility to host sports including basketball, netball, boxing, volleyball, badminton, futsal, wheelchair rugby and pickleball before and after the Games.
During the Games, the facility will have a capacity of 10,000 and be able to host a wide range of events, to be determined through consultation with Games partners.
Procurement for the project can now begin, with EOIs for the Managing Contractor and Principal Consultant, intended to progress to market in August.
Appointments are expected to be made in November 2024 for the Managing Contractor. Construction is to be undertaken between 2026 and 2028.
The City of Moreton Bay Council is providing land and supporting associated precinct works and connections at the proposed site at the Mill in Petrie, located close to the Petrie Station.
A café, player change rooms, 302 car parks and office amenities including meeting rooms are also included in the scope of works.
The new facility is expected to create around 178 direct full-time equivalent jobs during construction.
The Queensland and Federal Governments have committed to sourcing at least 30 per cent of procurement from Queensland SMEs for the Minor Venues Program, as well as targets for 10-15 per cent of all the hours on the projects to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees – helping to deliver the pipeline of construction workers the state needs.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said that Queenslanders are right behind Team Australia as the country cleans up in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“And now, as we look to 2032, we push forward on the legacy opportunities here in our own backyard,” Premier Miles said.
“Here in Moreton Bay, we are set to gain a brand new $205 million Indoor Sports Centre – bigger and better than originally planned.
“This facility is earmarked to host the boxing events, will have 12 new courts and capacity for about 10,000 Games goers come 2032.
“I want to thank the City of Moreton Bay Council for providing the land required to build this game-changing facility and supporting connections.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said that the brand-new Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre will be a landmark sporting and community facility for one of the fastest growing cities in Queensland.
“While we cheer on our Australian sporting heroes in Paris, we’re turning our sights to Brisbane 2032,” Minister King said.
“We’re investing in the Games infrastructure that will expand the region’s capacity to host major events and leave a lasting sporting and community legacy for our nation.”
Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, said, “We are determined to ensure the Brisbane 2032 Games creates more opportunities for more Australians to reap the physical and mental health benefits of sport.”
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said that the government is pressing full steam ahead with a 2032 Games infrastructure program that will deliver a great new venue in Moreton Bay along with important jobs and economic activity
“The new Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre will be a prime 2032 Games venue and an outstanding asset for the Moreton Bay community before and after the Games.”
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, said that Council has been working closely with the Federal and Queensland governments on legacy investment in the city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“City of Moreton Bay deserves a world-class venue that will be able to host Olympic and Paralympic sports but more importantly, have a legacy benefit to our city that can cater for sporting, cultural and entertainment events,” Mayor Flannery said.
“The announcement of a fully funded indoor sports centre is a positive endorsement of Moreton Bay, as Australia’s newest city.
“Council is pleased that there has been foresight to develop the facility in City of Moreton Bay and we are proud to support this construction by providing the land and associated precinct works.
“With almost 700,000 people living within 30 minutes of the centre, it will also have the potential to support community events like concerts, festivals, art performances, school activities and more.
“The Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre will provide long lasting benefits to our city and create a legacy that all residents can be proud of for decades to come.”
Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority CEO, Emma Thomas, said that one of the big outcomes from the 2024 Sport Venue Review was the support for an indoor sports centre in Moreton Bay with the independent panel recommending it be expanded from its original scope of nine courts to 12 courts.
“Having seen the tremendous community benefits the Coomera and Carrara indoor sport facilities are still bringing to the Gold Coast from the Commonwealth Games 2018, we are committed to creating the same opportunity for the City of Moreton Bay,” Ms Thomas said.
Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President, Andrew Liveris, said that it’s great to have another indoor sports centre confirmed and progressing to procurement.
“As the local population increases, so too does the demand for sporting facilities,” Mr Liveris said.
“This centre will cater to thousands of participants across a range of sports, and I’m delighted that plans include the centre being built as an environmentally sustainable venue.”
Image: aloensyah/shutterstock.com
