Toowoomba Olympics: Sports clubs concerned about futures amid upgrade of Clive Berghofer Stadium

The future of three sports clubs neighbouring Toowoomba’s premier stadium, which is set to be upgraded for the 2032 Olympics, is unclear amid concerns about a lack of transparency.

A state government proposal threatens to tear apart a Toowoomba sports club that has withstood the test of time for more than 120 years.

Sitting in the shadows of Toowoomba Sports Ground, the Toowoomba Bowls Club has questioned a ‘lack of transparency” surrounding planned upgrades to the stadium ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The longstanding stadium in East Toowoomba, which has hosted two NRL games in recent years, is slated to get an extra 2600 permanent seats by 2028.

Multinational infrastructure consulting firm AECOM was in September awarded a $580,000 tender to complete a project validation report.

More than 7000 fans support their team when the Dragons take on the Roosters as Toowoomba hosts an NRL round at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Sunday, August 22, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The upgrade from 2400 to 5000 seats is part of a $1.87bn joint-funding agreement between the federal and state government announced in March.

But bowls club treasurer Michael Hanna said there had been little correspondence between the state government and affected landholders to this point, sparking concerns the report was “a foregone conclusion”.

Michael Hanna. Picture: Bev Lacey

“We’ve been going through all the correct channels as well and reached out through our local (state parliament) members and politicians but have had no response from the Department of Tourism Innovation and Sport,” he said.

“There’s been no transparency, no consultation and we’re very concerned about our future.

“We’d like to know what exactly is planned for the area.”

The bowls club’s concerns were expressed in Tuesday’s Toowoomba Regional Council meeting, where deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff authored a report that urged council to determine its position on the project and relay that to the state government.

In her motion, Ms Vonhoff cited a letter from the bowls club while questioning the state government’s approach to consultation at this point.

Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff at a special meeting of Toowoomba Regional Council to endorse new deputy mayor, Friday, July 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“This motion responds to questions regarding whether plans for the proposed Toowoomba Sports Ground Upgrade are proceeding with meaningful community consultation and the formal support of Toowoomba Regional Council,” she wrote.

“It is understood from the community that as part of the validation period, noise and light sensitive receptors have been installed, geotechnical works undertaken, site surveying and designs advanced.

“The extent of this work and additional investment beyond the publicly advertised $580,000 tender have raised community questions about the extent to which they will be consulted.

“It is critical that council’s position in relation to the proposed Toowoomba Sports Ground upgrade be sought because the successful delivery of infrastructure projects depends on support from all spheres of government – local, state and federal.”

Ms Vonhoff (along with mayor Geoff McDonald) left the chamber due to perceived conflicts of interest, so it was councillor Nancy Sommerfield who championed the motion and urged her colleagues to “show courage”.

“We’ve got to have courage and not back away from making a decision — that’s what we’re elected for, so let’s not shy away,” she said.

The motion was lost, with a subsequent motion by councillor James O’Shea asking for the council to be involved during the consultation process passing 6-3.

Also neighbouring the stadium are the Range Tennis Club and Toowoomba Croquet Club, which as well as playing host to various community organisations, support groups and serving as the venue for countless paid events.

“It’s not just us and our members we are worried about,” Mr Hanna said.

“Our facility is used by countless community clubs and organisations, armed forces support groups like Mates4Mates and we host events and functions as well.

“We support a huge section of the Toowoomba community and any decision will effect them as well.”

The Range Tennis Club shared similar concerns to their ‘sporting neighbours’ but have opted to take a wait-and-see approach.

“We do have our own concerns,” club president Paul Mooney said.

“It would not have affected us as much in the past, but in the last few years we’ve seen a huge growth in our membership from less than 20 players to more than 500.

“We’ve also secured some considerable funding sponsorship as well.

“I guess the government is doing its due diligence though and when they have the report finalised they will be able to answer our questions.”

The Department of State Development was contacted for comment, but a spokesman confirmed the project validation report was under way.

“A project validation report (PVR) is underway, which will provide advice around the anticipated scope, costs and risks, technical design inclusions, delivery planning, service need, social impact as well as delivery and operating models,” the department told the ABC.