Overwhelming public support for a bigger Browne Park

More than 85 per cent of people who took part in the Browne Park feasibility study want an upgrade to the iconic footy ground.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the vast majority of more than 230 people who filled out the questionnaire were supportive of an upgrade but noted that parking and noise need to be considered.

Mr O’Rourke said this initial community input will now be fed into further developing the feasibility study and considerations around design and operational refinements.

“This feedback is invaluable when it comes to the next stage of planning,” he said.

“An upgrade to Browne Park would give us a stadium that’s capable of hosting major events – a facility that would create jobs and support our economy.

“But it’s vitally important that we find out what locals want before we go ahead. I’m proud to say the feedback we’ve got so far is very promising.”

Apart from the questionnaire responses, consultation included:

• Australian and local government leaders including mayors of Rockhampton and Livingstone
• Browne Park Trust
• Rockhampton Leagues Club
• adjoining Murray Street residents
• Darumbal Traditional Owners
• executives from Queensland Rugby League, National Rugby League (NRL) and Central Queensland Rugby League
• Rockhampton Rugby League
• Queensland Rugby Union
• Capricorn Enterprises
• other CQ rectangular football codes
• Queensland Police Service
• Transport and Main Roads
• Mr Geoff Murphy.

Mr O’Rourke said it would be important to get the ground-capacity right, while not over-burdening ground‑users or ratepayers.

“With an upgrade of Browne Park, NRL Games are certainly possible in Rockhampton,” he said.

“We’re looking into increasing Browne Park’s capacity so the whole region benefits by capturing a larger share of the growing sporting, musical, corporate and cultural events market – and not just rugby league.

“Like Suncorp, it could attract NRL games and even the interest of Australia’s Women’s Soccer 2023 World Cup programmers, but also be capable of hosting international artists and concerts.

“In time it may attract Reds and Roar games too.

“Consultation has confirmed what local league officials have been saying - Rockhampton is being bypassed simply because it lacks the facilities to attract big games and events.

“Feasibility efforts have also shown that the likes of the Redcliffe Dolphin’s new staged upgrades have captured the attention of national rectangular football codes and entertainment promoters – the same could happen for Rocky.

“Beyond the economic stimulation of construction jobs, a larger Browne Park would give Central Queensland a big new gathering place.”

The State Government has committed $150 000 for the study and it is expected to be available to the State Government in September.

For more information:

Website: www.ditid.qld.gov.au/tourism/special-projects/browne-park-project

Email: BrownePark@ditid.qld.gov.au

Phone: 1800 957 851 (weekdays, between 9 am and 5 pm AEST)

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Media contact: 0419 620 447