NEW South Wales and central Queensland have them in abundance and now Brisbane may have a boutique sporting stadium of its own.
Queensland rugby league club, Redcliffe District Rugby League Football Club (RDRLFC), has just finished concept drawings, plans and a feasibility study to demonstrate the case for a 10,000-capacity stadium.
The stadium on its existing Dolphin Oval site would be capable of hosting NRL trials and fixtures as well as games and carnivals for rugby league and other sporting codes.
The project is expected to cost $12.6 million to construct. RDRLFC will need funding from Moreton Bay Regional Council, State and Federal governments and the NRL.
The Dolphins will contribute the existing land, buildings and ground improvements, estimated to be worth $4-5 million as well as ongoing maintenance.
The plan includes building stadium seating on the three existing sides and space for corporates. The existing change rooms, toilets and food outlets will be upgraded.
Chief executive Tony Murphy said he hoped the stadium could be built at the end of the 2015 season and be completed by the same time as the Moreton Bay Rail Link, due by the end of 2016.
An artist's impression of the proposed Dolphin Stadium at Redcliffe.
An artist's impression of the proposed Dolphin Stadium at Redcliffe.
He hoped it would give something to outer Brisbane that other areas of Queensland and New South Wales already have.
“Up the east coast of Queensland, every major town has some sort of stadium, where it has been funded by council or governments. We just lack that; we don’t have one,” he said.
With a $12 million price tag, the next stage solely depends on securing funding. Despite support from all three levels of government, Moreton Bay Regional Council is the only party to have made a solid promise.
Councillor James Houghton said council would chip in a quarter of the cost.
“We have already set aside $3 million in next year’s budget,” he said.
“I think it is a great project; it will bring great employment opportunities and economic benefits for the whole area.
“The biggest obstacle now is getting funding from the other forms of government (state and federal) and the NRL.
“We’ve committed $3 million of the $12 million.”
An artist's impression of the proposed Dolphin Stadium at Redcliffe.
An artist's impression of the proposed Dolphin Stadium at Redcliffe.
State Labor Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said the project had her support.
“I think it is a great idea. It would provide lots of opportunities for the local community — not just for rugby league, but for other sports as well,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Facilities like this get people to visit the area and that supports the local community and businesses. I think it is one that should be considered.”
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said he would continue to campaign for money despite being knocked back already.
“I have already written to the Sports Minister, Peter Dutton, a few months ago, and have been told the money is not there at the moment,” Mr Howarth said.
“I think it is a great idea because it will help with local jobs. I will keep pushing for it and keep advocating for the Federal Government to contribute.”
The plan also includes scope for tributes to local sporting heroes, with the likes of Arthur Beetson, Petero Civoniceva and Brent Tate all starting their careers from Redcliffe’s Dolphin Oval.
