Ballymore redevelopment: Queensland Government won’t confirm funding commitment
RUGBY bosses are seeking a green light from the State Government before it goes into caretaker mode next month for the shovel-ready $35 million Ballymore redevelopment.
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RUGBY bosses are seeking a green light from the State Government before it goes into caretaker mode next month for the shovel-ready $35 million Ballymore redevelopment.
As the Queensland Reds prepare for their home qualifying final against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, there is still uncertainty about the future of the National Rugby Training Centre proposal.
That is despite the project receiving a $15 million commitment from the federal government in May last year, and the Palaszczuk government pledging to match the funding.
In July this year, State Development Minister Kate Jones told Neil Breen’s 4BC Breakfast program the Ballymore redevelopment was “full steam ahead”.
“Look, my understanding is that – and I did try to ring the Sports Minister ahead of this – but with Ballymore there was a commitment, I think, for both the federal and state governments for a $30 million redevelopment, of which we both pay $15 million,” Jones said at the time.
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Queensland Rugby Union said this week it was still waiting on Sports Minister Mick de Brenni to formally confirm the funding before it can begin construction.
Mr de Brenni would not confirm the funding commitment on Wednesday.
Asked why his department had not confirmed the funding yet, Mr de Brenni said in a statement:
“As a rugby fan and former player myself, I’m keen to work with the QRU on initiatives that develop the game across the state.
“The Palaszczuk Government is considering a range of initiatives which support job creation and shield Queenslanders from the impact COVID-19 is having on the global economy.”
The new venue would create at least 150 new jobs in construction and operation and would be the centrepiece of the revitalised Herston community precinct.
The development proposal, which has been before the state government for 18 months, would see the NRTC become the new home of Rugby Australia’s national women’s program, as well as a new training base for the Queensland Reds.
The world-class centre will also be able to support elite multi-sport training and events including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and bids for the 2032 Olympics and 2027 Rugby World Cup.
It also provides a unique opportunity to prepare for the Olympics and build a 100ha community and high-performance precinct centred on Ballymore and the Newmarket Sports Precinct across Enoggera Creek.