Queensland Government Invests $9 Million in Sunshine Coast Sports Infrastructure Ahead of Brisbane 2032

The Queensland Government has announced a $9 million funding injection to support community sporting organisations around Sunshine Coast Stadium, establishing vital temporary and permanent infrastructure upgrades as the venue prepares for its major Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games expansion.

The investment will fund a brand-new clubhouse for the Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club, comprehensive venue enhancements at the Meridan Fields community sports complex, and temporary facilities to accommodate displaced teams during construction.

With Architectus appointed as principal architect and early site works commencing ahead of major construction next year, the project sits outside the jointly funded $7.1 billion Games Venue Infrastructure Program, safeguarding local sports pathways throughout the multi-year redevelopment.

Emphasising the collaborative approach required to manage the regional infrastructure transition, Sunshine Coast mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said: “We know this will bring change for a number of clubs and their members, and we appreciate the way our sporting community has worked with us throughout the planning process,” Mayor Natoli said.

Highlighting the long-term community and commercial legacy of the project, Kawana Dolphins senior rugby league president, Michelle Horn, noted the certainty provided for members.

“This is an opportunity to create a lasting legacy that will serve the Kawana community, strengthen rugby league on the Sunshine Coast and provide a permanent home for generations of Dolphins to come,” Horn said.

Echoing these sentiments, Sunshine Coast Falcons CEO, Chris Flannery, added: “The current Kawana clubhouse and dressing rooms have remained largely the same for over 40 years, since I was playing here as a junior, so to see the Kawana Dolphins players, staff, members and volunteers finally get a new clubhouse and facility, is a wonderful outcome for everyone involved.”

As construction begins following the conclusion of the current rugby league season, the Sunshine Coast Falcons will temporarily relocate to Meridan Fields for next year, benefiting from improved field lighting, timekeeping and game filming facilities, new goal posts, and temporary spectator seating.

For the 2028 and 2029 seasons, the Falcons will transition to the Kawana Dolphins complex, which receives its new clubhouse development in 2027.

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