Premier David Crisafulli throws support behind Riverway Stadium upgrades
Premier Crisafulli threw his support behind Riverway Stadium’s upgrades to create a regional legacy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. See why momentum is building.
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Townsville’s Riverway Stadium‘s days in the dark might finally be coming to a close as the Queensland premier signalled that long-awaited funding for upgrades could be in consideration as the state heads towards the 2032 Olympic Games.
For over a decade, politicians, political candidates, and sporting clubs have pushed for broadcast quality lights to be installed at the stadium, to support local sporting codes, attract high-quality night fixtures, and act as an Olympics training hub.
Townsville City Councillor Suzy Batkovic recently revealed that funding a lighting upgrade was one piece of the puzzle, with about $13-15 million needed to also deliver a commentary tower, screens, and a carpark.
To support grassroots sport, and ensure a lasting legacy beyond the Olympics, the state government announced it would provide an additional $250 million through Games On! to support infrastructure upgrades.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said he wanted the Olympics to be a “games for every square inch of Queensland”, and his government was serious about creating those regional venues.
“Already you’ve seen that we’re fair dinkum about that with our announcement on sailing (and soccer for Townsville), but there has to be a benefit for regional areas, including for better infrastructure from the smallest of clubs to the most important and significant assets,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Riverway Stadium is a significant asset for this city and the broader region. I’ve watched some amazing contests there, including some Australia A cricket games. It’s a beautiful venue and it deserves to be an even better venue.
“I’d like to think that as part of the 2032 games, that might be an opportunity for a lasting legacy for there as well. I see the opportunity for it. There has to be (funding).”
He was hopeful that the federal government would come to the party with funds for Riverway Stadium’s upgrade, saying that there had been “good will” regarding the games, and it was “handy” that the Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells was a Queenslander.
Given that it was a Townsville City Council asset, he looked forward to seeing a funding application, saying it would have strong support from Thuringowa MP Natalie Marr.
Cricket will be returning to the 2028 Olympics, and should it be retained for 2032 Olympics, games were earmarked for Mackay and Brisbane.
Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson said taking elite cricket to the regions has been a key strategic goal, and Riverway Stadium’s upgrade was identified as a priority.
He regarded the lack of action in this space as a “missed opportunity for our region”.
“Cricket continues to advocate for investment in infrastructure throughout Queensland from all levels of government, including Riverway Stadium in Townsville,” Mr Svenson said.
“The facilities are in urgent need of investment to support the rapidly growing cricket community, particularly the increasing participation of boys and girls.
“Upgrades to the pavilion, field lighting, and playing surfaces will ensure the venue can meet demand and once again host pathway competitions and elite cricket.”
He urged all parties to work together to address the issues identified around the stadium’s upgrade.
After hosting several AFL Townsville Grand Final days, Head of AFL Queensland and International, Trisha Squires, regarded Riverway Stadium as an important community AFL venue in Townsville.
“We welcome and support lighting and facility improvements to Riverway Stadium and AFL Queensland are willing and open to work with all levels of government and the community to secure this upgraded infrastructure,” Ms Squires said.
When asked in a recent Townsville Bulletin poll whether they supported a Riverway Stadium upgrade, 83 per cent of readers said yes.
Future Townsville is a series launched by The Townsville Bulletin which will explore the sector’s outlook in Queensland showcase the economic, employment and innovation it brings to the state. The series, running over the next eight days, is supported by S. Kidman, Bravus, Port of Townsville, Aurizon, Queensland Resources Council, Sun Metals, Ark Energy and Urbis.
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