http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/02/16/306211_news.html
Concept plan of the proposed joint facility for the Cowboys and Crocodiles which would include an entertainment centre and convention facilities
AN artist's impression of the proposed Townsville "super stadium" has been revealed by the project's champions.
The venue, earmarked for a location near the CBD, would co-locate home grounds for the Cowboys and Crocodiles and could be used for performances and functions.
The State Government has agreed to fund a feasibility study into the proposal, which would replace bids for a separate convention centre and football stadium.
Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain said the venue could be the "precinct for the future", creating a sport and entertainment hub for local, national and world events.
Mr Jourdain said it made sense to fund one stadium with shared amenities at the same site instead of building two separate facilities.
"There is certainly going to be some synergy and savings to be made," he said.
"The Crocodiles and Cowboys, Townsville Enterprise and Townsville City Council are all trying to work together to conceptually see whether we can get a fantastic result for Townsville and North Queensland."
Along with the outdoor and indoor sports stadiums, the drawings show extensive space for parking, administration space, a bus terminal and a range of facilities to be shared by the national clubs.
"I think it would be great - we could share recovery facilities, pools and gymnasiums, as well as kitchen and corporate facilities between the two venues," Mr Jourdain said.
"That would hopefully decrease the overall cost. It would be a precinct for the future, not just for sporting events but for international performing artists as well."
Crocodiles CEO Ian Smythe said cities across the world were "reaping the benefits" of building sports facilities close to the city centre.
He said it was important that the project reflected the needs of the council and business community, as well as those of the clubs.
"The Cowboys and Crocs are genuinely trying to find a way to work together for the betterment of the community," he said.
"As the second capital of Queensland, we would like to think we could have a world-class facility and that the people of Townsville would be able to catch a bus into the city and see a world-class act at a world-class facility."
Mr Smythe said the reliability of the existing entertainment centre was a week-to-week proposition, with the prospect of equipment failure a constant fear.
"At the moment we're relying on the staff to keep the old girl in shape," he said.
"We spent a lot of years establishing a reputation as a great regional city and it would be absolutely embarrassing if it got to the stage where our one and only venue had an equipment failure and we were unable to use it."
LNP leader Campbell Newman was not enthused by the plan but said he would "view it in a supportive way".
"But this state is heading for $85 billion worth of debt in 2 1/2 years' time, we've got a $4 billion underlying budget deficit and we need to deal with that," he said.
"I won't just be making promises willy-nilly.
"Right now I'm in no position to make any commitment to this - though very worthy - sports complex."
In the event that Crocs and Cowboys game days co-incide, Mr Jourdain said the facility could handle it.
"That is a slim possibility, but if it did happen, we'd make it work," he said.
"They would certainly be at different times - we might be able to sell a double ticket."
Townsville Enterprise CEO David Kippin said the facility was an ideal stimulus for development of the CBD.
"From the city's perspective, it provides better access and better parking and it provides a stimulus for CBD activity," Mr Kippin said.
"Pre and post events, people have the ability to use the city's facilities."
Mr Kippin said the experience in other cities was that sporting infrastructure revitalised the CBD, lifted property values and provided a benefit for retail, hospitality and accommodation businesses.
"It's an ideal stimulus for CBD development," he said.
