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Queensland Sport Minister Judy Spence today announced $4.2 Million will be provided to develop Ballymore into a hub of sport and recreation facilities for both rugby union and the community.
Ms Spence said the grant to the Queensland Rugby Union will fund the construction of a new 25m swimming pool and the development of a third training field, all to be made available to the local community as well as athletes in training.
Ms Spence said: “The development of a Sport Academy at Ballymore presents an excellent opportunity for us to support the development Queensland athletes, while also delivering new sport and recreation opportunities for the people of the Kelvin Grove and Herston area.
“Extensive community consultation shows support from local residents for new public sporting facilities, and I’m pleased we are able to deliver on a project that will benefit both Queensland’s sporting industry and the people of this area.
“Ballymore is the iconic home of rugby union in Queensland, and it is essential we continue to support the development of the complex to ensure our athletes have access to modern training facilities.
“The $4.2 Million now means the QRU can develop a new rugby training field and a new indoor heated 25 metre swimming pool, as well as new corporate facilities in the western grandstand.
“This is great news for rugby union in Queensland and I know the community around Ballymore is delighted to see new sport and recreation facilities being delivered for the area.”
Member for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace MP, welcomed the funding to go toward facilities for community use.
"During consultation with the local community there was general support for the provision of a swimming pool as part of the Ballymore redevelopment project," Ms Grace said.
"People are also very keen to see the open green spaces we have in this bustling district maintained and I welcome the funding that will ensure the community have continued access to open green spaces in this area.
"I believe this funding will ensure that the locals will get some real benefit from this development.
"This project is a great example of Sport Minister Judy Spence, the Bligh Government and Queensland Rugby Union listening to what the community wants and delivering on their needs," Ms Grace said.
QRU Chairman Peter Lewis said: "This great announcement by Judy Spence is a fantastic boost for the QRU’s plan to redevelop Ballymore to service all sports, not just rugby, and for Ballymore to become a major regional centre for training and athlete development, with professional sports medicine facilities and athlete accommodation."
“Queensland Rugby is continuing to plan Ballymore’s redevelopment and we are putting the final touches on our Development Application to be lodged with the Brisbane City Council shortly.
"Judy Spence has put a new spring in the step of all people in the Rugby community," Mr Lewis said.
QRU CEO Ken Freer said the new facilities would be accessible to the broader community.
“This will provide new green space on the western side along Clyde Rd and open up the creek bank to include barbecue shelters and a bike path, as well as offering community access to the swimming pool.”
Queensland qru | $4.2m to Ballymore for Rugby and community