New Queensland State Velodrome on track

Published Monday, 28 September, 2015 at 12:10 PM

Treasurer, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Queensland’s first indoor velodrome is powering ahead, with local businesses at the forefront of delivering an iconic venue for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, on budget and on track to open in 2016.

Acting Premier Curtis Pitt inspected progress on the $58 million Queensland State Velodrome today where 90 workers are on site and the 1165 tonne steel superstructure is nearing completion.

Acting Premier Pitt said the Velodrome, which will host the GC2018 track cycling competition, is currently creating opportunities for home-grown businesses to demonstrate their expertise and build capability on a major legacy project for the Games.

“The Velodrome construction has generated work for businesses from Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast including piling, civil works, concrete, reinforcement, scaffolding, formwork, roof fabric and plant hire,” Mr Pitt said.

“Local firm Beenleigh Steel Fabrications has invested around 30,000 workshop hours delivering all the steel fabrication, including the intricate roof centrepiece, the ‘oculus’.

Tourism and Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said it was a fantastic effort that showed the depth of talent of local businesses and tradespeople.

“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring that, where possible, Commonwealth Games job and business opportunities benefit Queenslanders and the velodrome project alone is generating up to 185 full-time equivalent jobs during design and construction,” Ms Jones said.

"Managing Contractor WATPAC estimates the project will bring together around 2500 skilled tradesmen and professionals on site and off site from a variety of disciplines who will all play a role in delivering the venue."

The $320 million dollar GC2018 venue program, jointly funded with the Australian Government, is generating 1000 full-time equivalent jobs during design and construction.

“The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will leave a positive legacy for Queensland, and the benefits to our economy are already being realised,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Velodrome and other Games related infrastructure projects are directly creating employment and providing opportunities to build the skills of our workers.”  

Once completed, this new world-class facility will be located alongside the Brisbane Super X BMX Track at Sleeman Sports Complex and will provide a new centre of excellence for cycling in Queensland.

 

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