Leaders continue call for new potential Olympics venue in Townsville as Fire reach the finals
With another grand final locked in for the Townsville Fire fears are building that if the proposed $360m entertainment arena is not approved, the city risks losing one its premier sporting teams to a region with better facilities. VOTE IN OUR POLL.
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With another grand final locked in for the Townsville Fire fears are building that if the proposed $360m entertainment arena is not approved, the city risks losing one its premier sporting teams and the chance to host Olympic events in 2032.
Townsville City councillor and former Olympian Suzy Batkovic said the finals fever showed the importance of building the proposed Townsville Arena that would serve as the new home for the team.
The Townsville Fire continues its championship tilt this Wednesday in Bendigo after a crushing win over the Perth Lynx in the semi-finals.
Cr Batkovic said the current Townsville Entertainment Centre was at its “end of life” and it was important the submission for a new Townsville Arena was a priority for the Olympics Review panel as Townsville cemented itself as a sporting capital.
The city has already put its hand up as a potential host for Olympic events, including sailing, and as a training base for athletes but the arena would open the door to host even more events.
“We need to make sure this elite team has a home, and we don’t lose them to another city just because we don’t have a facility for them,” the former basketballer said.
“We are continuing to explore all avenues to get funding to support a new arena for Townsville and make sure our community has the ability to continue to see world-class sports and events in their city.
“The impact from recent weather events has shown this facility has little time left and its critical that we urgently receive a funding commitment for the Townsville Arena.”
It comes as the state government is considering a draft infrastructure plan that will deliver the final Games venues blueprint – likely within the existing $7.1bn agreed to by the state and federal governments.
Townsville Fire general manager Sam Pascoe said relocating from Townsville Stadium to the Townsville Entertainment Centre was one of the “best things for the club”.
“The growth, the numbers, the game day experience is just at an highest level across the league and we lead the league in it,” she said.
“With the venue reaching its end of life, its really important that we continue the momentum behind not only the Fire but women’s sport and all the other great events that come to the region in this venue.”
All three levels of government gathered in Townsville in January to endorse the vision spearheaded by Ms Batkovic, who founded the Townsville 2032 Legacy Working Group to ensure Olympics infrastructure funding was “not only given to the southeast corner”.
Premier David Crisafulli announced in November the appointment of the Games independent Infrastructure and Co-ordination Authority board — which locals Jamie Fitzpatrick and Laurence Lancini sit on – with a 100 day review into the 2032 games beginning.
At the time Cr Batkovic said having the infrastructure to boost local, national and international sporting games meant inspiring the next generation of Aussie sports stars here in North Queensland.
Having doubled their attendance for games since moving to the Townsville Entertainment Centre, Ms Pascoe said it was important to have facilities that grow as the team grows.
Ms Pascoe said a new state-of-the-art venue would be “very advantageous” for those in the Fire program and up-and-coming basketball stars.
“Basketball is the second biggest grassroots sport in the country so to have that facility – we do a lot of work with juniors and elite athletes- as they work towards the 2032 Olympics and have those facilities would be great,” she said.
She said a facility that was as accessible as possible would also be a great training platform for the Paralympics.
Chief executive of Townsville Enterprise Claudia Brumme-Smith said a multipurpose entertainment facility was “essential” for the city’s future growth and ensuring that the city doesn’t miss out on hosting world-class event and sporting matches.
“A new multipurpose indoor entertainment arena has been on the agenda for years,” she said.
“It’s beyond time. Our premiership-winning basketball team deserves a venue that reflects their excellence.
“Right now, we are in discussions with national event promoters about bringing major performers and shows to Townsville. But without a 10,000 capacity indoor venue, we simply cannot compete.”
Funding of $55m has also been requested for “much needed” upgrades to parking, pedestrian crossings, lighting, shading and playing surfaces at the Murray Sporting Complex, upgrades to Riverway Stadium and more facilities for the Townsville Aquatic Precinct, which would serve as the home of the Townsville Sailing Club.
Originally published as Leaders continue call for new potential Olympics venue in Townsville as Fire reach the finals
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