Hockey facilities sorely lacking in run-up to Brisbane 2032 Olympics

Despite a large number of Olympians coming out of Queensland, this sport’s main facility is worse than those of some regional centres.

The state’s peak body for hockey has called for better facilities within Brisbane, saying there is not a single venue that could host an international event despite a large number of Olympians coming out of Queensland.

A Hockey Major Infrastructure Feasibility Study from Oltium Planning showed there was a deficit of seven synthetic pitches for the current needs of the Brisbane community, with 10 more needed by 2042.

The study identified six potential sites that could accommodate the sport, with the Brisbane Entertainment Centre the preferred one.

But Hockey Queensland chief executive Alison Lyons said neither the state Labor government or LNP Opposition wanted to commit to a facility.

“Brisbane is a newly recognised Olympic city, and we can’t host a sanctioned international hockey event, and there seems to be absolutely no appetite to change that narrative,” she said.

“Our position is that we need facilities within Brisbane, there’s an opportunity with the Olympics coming to make that investment that will not only support fantastic Olympic Games, but would also bring other major events.

“We could have a 2030 hockey World Cup in Brisbane, which would be a fantastic leading event, but also provides the infrastructure for not only the Brisbane community, but also the wider Queensland community.”

Ms Lyons said the current State Hockey Centre was not good enough.

“It has been described as the worst hockey facility in Australia,” she said.

“So we’ve got regional players coming from Townsville, Mackay, Cairns that have actually got better facilities in their home town.”

Ms Lyons said both sides had a similar response.

“It comes back to there’s no money for investment in facilities, and we’re only looking at temporary infrastructure for the Olympics,” she said.

“There is a lot of emphasis on cost, but we haven’t been able to have that conversation, or really push the conversation forward with politicians at this point around about where’s the value for money and what is the long term return on investment by actually developing this infrastructure. ”

Field 1 at Hockey Queensland's State Hockey Centre. Picture: Hockey Queensland

Ms Lyons said there was a missed opportunity.

“Hockey Australia have committed to bringing international events to Queensland, but they currently can’t do that, but they want to, they want to bring content to Queensland,” she said.

“Because we have such an enthusiastic hockey community, and we continue to produce high performance players, and we keep missing out on opportunities because of that lack of investment in infrastructure.”

Opposition Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure spokesman Jarrod Bleijie said: “Hockey is one of many sports paying a high price for Labor’s failures.

“The LNP has announced it will end Labor’s Olympic and Paralympic chaos and crisis, and task an Independent Infrastructure Co-ordination Authority with a 100-day review of Games infrastructure.

“The review will consider what is required for the Games and deliver a plan for the transport, infrastructure and legacy.”

But a Department of Tourism and Sport spokesperson said: “The Queensland government is a huge supporter of hockey in Queensland, investing more than $14 million in community hockey since January 1, 2015.

“This includes over $6.6 million for new and improved capital projects such as $481,177 to Hockey Queensland to construct change rooms and an officials room to support female participation at Colmslie.

“In addition to the funding above, a further $4.4 million has been approved for projects supporting hockey in Queensland through the Australian Government and Queensland Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements including $1.854 million to Brisbane City Council to assist with the recovery of the playing surface for the Valley Hockey Club after the extraordinary disaster events of 2021-22.

“The Queensland government continues to work closely with Hockey Queensland to identify opportunities for further infrastructure upgrades, while venues for the Olympics are a matter for the infrastructure delivery authority.

“This focus on grassroots participation is at the heart of the state’s reputation as a powerhouse for hockey talent, and will also support the next generation of national stars.”