Sunshine Coast footy fans prayers’ have been answered with confirmation today that a future LNP Government will commit $20 million funding for an expansion of Sunshine Coast Stadium.
LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander made the announcement alongside LNP Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie and Melbourne Storm under 19’s players today.
Mr Mander, a two time NRL Grand Final referee said there was overwhelming support from the community to see these upgrades take shape.
“I was here in June to support the expansion blueprint and since then the LNP petition was inundated with hundreds of signatures,” Mr Mander said.
“The Sunshine Coast loves its rugby league and that’s been made evident by the support the Melbourne Storm have received since setting up camp during this coronavirus-interrupted NRL season.
“The people of the Sunshine Coast deserve a first-class sports stadium to help drive economic growth in the region and create more local jobs.
“Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of this recession.
“Our plan for a stronger economy and secure jobs is based on the four foundations; investing for growth, unleashing Queensland industry, super-charging the regions and securing our children’s future.
“Yesterday’s ABS unemployment data showed 1600 jobs were lost on the Sunshine Coast just last month, the second worst in Queensland.
“Over the past 12 months 4700 jobs were lost, as the unemployment rate sits at 6.2% and youth unemployment at 14.4%.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government doesn’t have an economic plan for Queensland and they can’t be trusted to create new jobs.”
Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie said the Melbourne Storm are the hottest tickets in town.
“A stadium upgrade will be very appealing for the NRL to host more games on the Sunshine Coast, not just for the Storm, but other teams as well,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The LNP wants a strong local economy and that means we need modern infrastructure for the community.
“Infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast has been neglected by the Labor Government for too long.
“A modern stadium will help pack the calendar with high profile events that attract international acts like Elton John, who performed here earlier this year.”
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s vision for the expanded stadium, which currently has capacity for 12,000 patrons, includes:
• Increased venue capacity of 16,618 in stage one
• Designed to allow for future development for a total capacity of 23,400 patrons
• 8 national or state tournaments per year
• 6 national sporting events per year
• 7 large-scale entertainment events per year
The redevelopment will help grow the sports economy on the Sunshine Coast, which already accounts for $442 million in economic activity and almost 2000 full time equivalent jobs.
Mr Bleijie said this job-creating infrastructure project on the Sunshine Coast is just one part of the LNP’s comprehensive plan to get Queensland working again.
