Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle to discuss redevelopment options on decaying Ballymore
RUGBY supremo Raelene Castle will discuss redevelopment options to unlock Ballymore’s long-wasted potential when she visits the code’s base in Queensland.
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RUGBY supremo Raelene Castle will discuss redevelopment options to unlock Ballymore’s long-wasted potential when she visits the code’s base in Queensland on Monday.
Fighting for a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the decaying stadium is essential and would perfectly fit Australian bids for women’s World Cups in rugby (2021) and football (2023).
The Brisbane ground is the most valuable asset in Australian rugby with a 2013 valuation at $12.7 million, under specific-use restrictions, yet is a financial black hole.
Maintenance and depreciation continue to be a $1 million-plus hit on the Queensland Rugby Union’s finances annually because several redevelopment ideas have fizzled on the drawing board.
Castle’s presence on Sunday at the Super Rugby launch at the Brisbane Powerhouse pre-empted Monday’s meeting with QRU boss Richard Barker as part of her state-of-the-nation tour.
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“The first thing to this new job is doing more listening than talking and matching that is getting to the states to understand their differing challenges,” Rugby Australia chief executive Castle said.
Actions, rather than words, will be proof over time of her strong view that Rugby Australia cannot be seen as NSW-centric.
“Ballymore is iconic and needs to be redeveloped to maximise its potential,” Castle said.
“It’s a priority for Queensland so it’s a priority for us because they (the QRU) have asked us to help them.
“We will be in talks with Queensland (rugby) and the government about that.
“It’s timely with the government conversations around funding different venues around the state and the topic of good venues driving fans to get off the couch.”
The Bears at Ballymore gym fizzer of the 1980s, a rugby-softball partnership, a National Rugby Academy, a sports medicine centre, an accommodation block, sevens heaven ... no plan has progressed.
In 2008, then prime minister Kevin Rudd cancelled a $25 million grant for Ballymore promised by predecessor John Howard and redevelopment day stalled.
Only a multi-sport stadium future is viable, which brings in football’s Brisbane Roar, who are winding up their use of Ballymore as a training and administrative base.
“With 80 or so professional teams in a country the size of Australia, I absolutely believe that you have to go code-sharing at venues,” Castle said.
Castle nailed her pitch in refreshing tones at the launch by saying what every rugby fan has been thinking since the numbing 2017 Super Rugby season.
“Fans are sick of talking about administrative challenges,” Castle said.
“Everyone wants to talk about exciting rugby and bringing back the rivalries (with more local derbies).”
The Queensland Reds have their chance to light the fuse by playing in the Super Rugby opener against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday week.
Originally published as Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle to discuss redevelopment options on decaying Ballymore
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