Pre-construction planning starts on $65 million Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre
The multi-purpose facility will attract large, corporate and sporting events and will help put the region ‘on the national stage’.
Rockhampton
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Pre-construction planning has started on the $65 million state-of-the-art Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre.
It comes after the $20 million Federal Government funding announced in 2019 recently received final sign-off.
The multi-purpose, multi-million dollar facility will be a first-class resource for the Capricorn Coast and greater Central Queensland region, and is set to attract large, corporate, and sporting events and provide diversification to the local business economy and tourism sector.
The convention centre, which was identified as a Regional Priority Project back in 2010, will be the first stage of the project.
Construction is expected to start mid-2022 and be completed by the end of 2023.
The bold concept plans incorporate dramatic and prominent contemporary architecture, leading technologies, and a unique combination of innovative, yet functional meeting spaces and facilities.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said the Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre would fill a critical gap for the central Queensland region.
“This exciting piece of infrastructure will put our destination on the national stage and is a much-needed and important piece to the puzzle for our thriving region,” she said.
“Understanding that quality planning delivers exceptional results, we have patiently waited for this very moment and now look forward to continuing our work with key stakeholders as this project takes another big leap forward.
“We know that the Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre will be well worth the wait for the entire community.”
Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the economic benefits that came with the development would be huge for the Capricorn Coast.
“We all know job creation is essential and I’m sure the boost to the local economy will be very welcome to the community,” Ms Landry said.
“I committed $20 million in funding for the Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre, and I am happy to see the project move closer to seeing shovels in the ground.”
Keppel Bay Sailing Club Commodore Sandra Byrt said the construction of the facility would be one of the region’s most exciting and challenging development projects.
“The board of Keppel Bay Sailing Club has worked closely with our sailing committee to ensure that in planning for this outstanding local resource we also planned for a state-of-the-art sailing facility for our sailing operations in the future,” she said.
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