State continues delays with Stockland Park stadium
Thu 13 August 2009
Simone Hockins, Bachelor of Journalism
The state government continued to the delay the proposed $15 million Stockland Park stadium in Kawana.
The federal, state and local government proposed a funding split for the stadium, with $5 million from each.
Both the federal and local government agreed to pledge $5 million towards the project.
Originally, TAFE Queensland was going to fund $8 million to the stadium, but pulled the money from the project.
Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles chief executive officer (CEO) Brett Winkler remained confident the stadium would be built, despite it being proposed more than seven years ago.
“We are just waiting for the State Government,” Mr Winkler said.
Mr Winkler said the Sunshine Coast did not have an adequate sporting facility, and believed the State Government would provide the funds within the next few months.
“We are confident the State Government will understand the Sunshine Coast has nothing,” Mr Winkler said.
Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said he publicly supported the stadium, despite the former LNP Leader Lawrence Springboard refusing to commit money to the stadium.
“Our priority now is to get commitment from the State Government,” Mr Bleijie said.
Mr Bleijie said the stadium would be beneficial to the Sunshine Coast region.
“It would be good for the region and the Kawana electorate,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Bringing in the facility will open [the area to] sports groups that haven’t been on the Sunshine Coast before.”
Mr Bleijie said the stadium would also improve childrens’ health.
“It creates more interest in sports,” Mr Bleijie said.
But the most important benefit of the stadium for the Sunshine Coast was economic.
“[The stadium] will assist in boosting the local economy,” Mr Bleijie said.
“It keeps people locally employed.”
Mr Winkler agreed it would bring many benefits to the region.
“It will be the central area for sports and entertainment for the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Winkler said.
“The stadium is not a luxury [item].”
Mr Winkler added many local people would use and enjoy the stadium, and said Stockland Park will be the perfect area for the 1300 seat stadium.
“It is something for the community,” Mr Winkler said.
“The beauty of where it is, is that there is a lake, it is central and it is near the beach for training setups.”
However, without the stadium, the future growth of the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles’ club was in doubt.
“The people will only support us for so long,” Mr Winkler said.
“The sponsorship and membership is the lifeblood.
“If we don’t get the minimum level, it is very hard to get minimum sponsorship and membership.
“We are not going to be able to grow.”
The current Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles contract with Manly Sea Eagles was due to finish at the end of the 2010.
Image(s) designed by n/a