Officials release plans to upgrade Upper Mt Gravatt’s Hibiscus Stadium
A major sports centre on Brisbane’s southside is in store for its first revamp since opening in 1996, with a $20 million plan to transform the venue being revealed. SEE THE DETAILS.
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A major sporting complex could be transformed into one of Brisbane’s best venues in just two years after a giant $20 million plan was revealed.
Hibiscus Stadium chairman David Derwin released some of the plans, which will turn the Klumpp Rd venue into the Mt Gravatt Sports and Convention Centre by 2022, earlier this week.
The initial plans include four additional state-of-the-art basketball courts, adding to the existing four; a 1500-seat area to host major sporting events and expos; community training rooms; and a function room for more than 100 people.
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Derwin believed he had support from all levels of government to get the job done.
Hibiscus Stadium was built by the Brisbane City Council in 1996 and Derwin said this project would be the venue’s first major revamp.
The complex is currently home to more than 2000 members and is used by more than 250,000 people each year across basketball, futsal, volleyball, netball, martial arts and after school programs.
The upgrade would also bring in more than 80 jobs.
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta - who along with State LNP candidate for Mansfield Janet Wishart met with Derwin earlier this week - said he was supportive of the expansion.
“There is nothing comparable in the region and he is fighting for long-term job creating projects that will have a positive economic impact on the local community,” he said.
Ms Wishart said she would fight for the Hibiscus Stadium upgrade, if elected.
“The LNP will consider the Hibiscus Stadium in our budget which will be delivered in the first hundred days of an LNP Government,” she said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has cancelled the budget, meaning it has no plan to pay for the infrastructure Queensland needs”.
However, current State Member for Mansfield (ALP) Corinne McMillan said the government was all about investing in job creating infrastructure.
“The Palaszczuk Government has a plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs focused on building vital infrastructure, strengthening Queensland’s industries and enabling future growth,” she said
“Even though the LNP are calling on our government to fund this project, Deb Frecklington hasn’t committed a cent. Once again, the LNP are all talk and no action.”
Councillor for Macgregor, Steven Huang (LNP), said he wanted to ensure the venue’s facilities and popularity continued to grow for generations to come.
“The Hibiscus Stadium is a fantastic facility for residents of the southern suburbs,” he said.
“I would be happy to discuss the future of this site with the manager should he wish to do so.”