Federal Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services the Hon Stuart Robert MP toured Sunshine Coast Stadium today at the invitation of Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace. Mr Wallace extended the invitation as part of his on-going efforts to advocate for funding for upgrades to the Stadium.
Mr Wallace said that he remained committed to seeking funding for this project.
“So far we have not been able to secure Federal Government funding for Sunshine Coast Stadium, but I do not take no for an answer. I am continuing to advocate for the project with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Prime Minister and the Treasurer and I will take every opportunity to promote it among my colleagues in Canberra.”
The proposed $68 million design for upgrades to the Stadium would increase the fixed seating capacity from the existing 1,000 to approximately 12,000 seats.
“I am very grateful to Minister Robert for visiting the Stadium with me today. Although this project is not in his area of Ministerial responsibility, having another Minister at the Cabinet table who understands this project and its place in our community will doubtless help the Government to make a fully informed decision about any future funding.” he said.
Sunshine Coast Stadium has been identified as a venue for football matches during the proposed 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister Robert said it was great to see the Stadium and he welcomed Andrew Wallace’s ongoing advocacy for his local community.
“The Sunshine Coast certainly have an excellent local champion in Andrew Wallace.” he said.
Sunshine Coast Stadium played host in 2020 to concerts by Elton John and NRL matches featuring the Melbourne Storm.
“An upgraded Stadium would bring more big acts and more world-class sporting events to our community and would form an important boost to tourism in our region. I have been working toward securing funding for this project for more than two years and I won’t be giving up.” Mr Wallace said.