Published Today at 10:45 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership
The Honourable David Janetzki

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Tim Mander

$1 million Games On! Boost for UniSQ

  • The Crisafulli Government invests $1 million to begin an athletics facility project at the University of Southern Queensland.
  • Project will deliver and strengthen pathways for next generation of Queensland athletes.
  • Clubs encouraged to register interest in Round 2 of the Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program. 
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future a Games for all of Queensland after a decade of decline and 1,200 days of Labor Games Chaos.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future, investing $1 million to begin planning and design work for a new athletics centre at the University of Southern Queensland, helping ensure the Darling Downs plays an important role in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

As part of the Games On! Funding, the proposed centre at its Darling Heights campus would support local athletics clubs, schools and community sport while also creating a pathway for young athletes aspiring to compete on the national and international stage.  

The Crisafulli Government’s Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program is enhancing community sporting facilities across the state. 

After 1,200 days of Games chaos under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is supporting local clubs and delivering a lasting legacy ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said Toowoomba was a major sporting hub for the Darling Downs and South West region, regularly hosting state and national competitions across sports including rugby league, football, athletics and cycling. 

“We want young athletes growing up on the Darling Downs to know they can train, compete and succeed right here in their own backyard,” Treasurer Janetzki said. 

“This initial investment towards the design and planning for a new athletics facility at UniSQ will assist in substantiating the long-term advocacy by local athletes, schools and sporting organisations in meeting the region’s growing sporting needs. 

“As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, investments like this help ensure regional Queensland shares in the benefits far beyond the four weeks of sport.” 

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the investment aligned with the Queensland Government’s long-term planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“We’re backing Queenslanders with the sporting infrastructure they need where they live,” Minister Mander said. 

“This project will ensure the new track is well planned and supports a future investment consideration to ensure athletes across the Darling Downs have access to quality facilities to train, compete and develop their skills.” 

University of Southern Queensland Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Glen Coleman said the funding would enable UniSQ to begin the next stage of planning for the new athletics facility at its Toowoomba campus. 

“This funding enables UniSQ to begin the detailed planning for a modern athletics precinct that will support the region’s athletes, schools, and community sport,” Professor Coleman said. 

“As we move toward Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the project will help ensure regional Queensland plays a role in developing the next generation of athletes. Through the design and consultation process, we want to create a facility that delivers lasting benefits for the Darling Downs and UniSQ communities.” 

Registrations of Interest for the Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program close on 18 March 2026, with eligible organisations encouraged to apply for support to deliver grassroots sporting infrastructure projects in their communities.  

For more information, visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/gameson.  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Brown, 0415 772 677