Taskforce delivers new stadiums plan

The Palaszczuk Government has today released its response to the Stadiums Queensland Taskforce Interim Report’s recommendations to improve the operations of Stadiums Queensland’s nine venues.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the independent Taskforce, comprising industry and commercial experts and chaired by experienced sports administrator John Lee, had presented government with 17 recommendations in its initial report.

“These venues were built by Queenslanders, they’re owned by Queenslanders, and it’s important we make them work for Queenslanders,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The Taskforce has been looking at current operating and pricing models for major sports events, and how our Stadiums Queensland venues are working for all our stakeholders including fans, venue managers, clubs and sporting codes.

“I asked the Taskforce to present an interim report as soon as possible, so that we can deal with several issues affecting clubs before the 18/19 season.”

Mr de Brenni said the key recommendation in this interim report was around transport costs.

“The difference between transport costs for Brisbane and the Gold Coast has been as much as 52 percent – that’s simply unjustifiable,” Mr de Brenni said.

“It’s about equality, because it shouldn’t matter if you live on the Gold Coast or Brisbane - none of us should pay more because of our post code.

“At the moment, around two-thirds of the game day costs for Gold Coast venues is just getting patrons to the venues.”

Mr de Brenni said the recommendation to bring the management of transport services at the Gold Coast back in house to the public provider Translink had the potential to save fans millions over the coming years.

“A guaranteed transport cap of $3.10 means fans won’t pay more to watch their favourite sport.”

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlan welcomed the government’s response, and said it would make a huge difference to Gold Coast sport.

“The Gold Coast has so much to offer sporting codes, and those codes also have so much to offer the Gold Coast in return,” she said.

“Clubs like the Titans invest heavily into grassroots sport and training pathways, and I’ve been really impressed by the community care and dedication of the Suns in working with people experiencing homelessness on the Coast.

“Reducing transport costs isn’t just about levelling the playing field for the clubs who make their home on the Gold Coast.

“It’s about investing in the Gold Coast community and making sure that Gold Coast teams can put down roots and grow.”

Mr de Brenni said the Taskforce had identified options that enable the venues to perform more effectively and allow Stadiums Queensland to invest in upgrades and pay down debt.

“Naming rights for the Gabba would generate significant revenue, which would help facilitate upgrades to make Australia’s top cricket ground even better.

“Our response to the report supports all of the recommendations, whilst maintaining a firm commitment to the job security of frontline staff, especially our all important ground curators.

“I think the best part about the process has been improving the relationship between the clubs and our government.

“I want to thank clubs for their patience, and I look forward to the final report.

“This is a win for clubs, a win for fans, and it’s a win for Stadiums Queensland who’ve wanted to see changes like this for some time.

“I’ve put a fresh new board in place, and I’ve made it clear that implementation of these recommendations is their mandate.”

The final Stadiums Taskforce Report will form part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, due to be finalised toward the end of the year.

ENDS

Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132