New Directors named for STADIUMS QUEENSLAND (formerly the MSFA)

Sport Minister, Judy Spence, as Minister responsible for the Major Sports Facilities Authority, (MSFA), today announced Queensland’s stadiums and sporting infrastructure will enter a new era in 2008 with the appointment of new Directors to the Board of the Major Sports Facilities Authority and a new name for the MSFA, being Stadiums Queensland.

Ms Spence said after almost 6 years of success the Government believed it was time for renewal at Board level and for the MSFA.

“I pay tribute to the outgoing Board members who have played a major role in the development of Queensland’s Stadiums and sporting infrastructure since the formation of the Authority in 2001,” she said.

“The Board has been instrumental in establishing the Authority which has grown from one venue in 2001 to a portfolio comprising eight venues in 2007 representing over $1 billion in assets.

“Last financial year more than 3.9 million patrons utilised our Stadiums and facilities in a diverse range of events which ranged from school swimming and athletic carnivals to major concert and International sporting events.”

Ms Spence said as the organisation, to be now known as Stadiums Queensland, enters a new era with Skilled Park and the State Tennis Centre recently added to their responsibility, five fresh faces have been added to the Board.

“The new Directors bring with them a renewed sense of energy to Stadiums Queensland. Michael Harvey, Peter Johansen, Susie O’Neill, Sophie Devitt and David Hanna will join existing Chairman Wayne Myers and Geoff Trivett on the Board,” she said.

“I congratulate the new Directors on their appointment and welcome them knowing that they will continue and expand on the good work of their predecessors in overseeing some of Queensland's most important, significant, easily recognisable and in some cases revered Stadiums and infrastructure.”

Stadiums Queensland is responsible for The Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) formerly QE2 Sports Complex, Sleeman Sports Complex Chandler, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville, Skilled Park on the Gold Coast and the State Tennis Centre.

The name change will take effect from next year.

Media: 32396218

13 December 2007