A NEW application for Australian Government funding towards a proposed AFL stadium and training facility in Ipswich will be made by Ipswich City Council.
The Regional Growth Fund is a $272.2 million Australian Government investment program which provides grants of $10 million or more to be matched by councils and other investment partners.
Works, Parks and Sport Committee acting chairperson Cr David Morrison said a new AFL stadium remained a priority for council however it depended on funding support from other levels of government.
“We have detailed previously this project is a partnership between AFL and the Brisbane Lions to build a new training centre and administration centre for the club on land at Springfield Central in close proximity to the train station.
“The boutique stadium has a planned seating capacity of 10,000.
“The stadium could host pre-season and competition games for both AFL and women’s AFL teams.
“We believe this project, while just a short distance outside the area classed as regional, can clearly demonstrate ongoing economic benefits not just for Ipswich but wider region.
“The stadium is estimated to cost more than $50 million.
“Should our funding application be successful and together with other commitments made to council we will be in a position to commence further detailed planning and construction of this project.”
Cr Morrison said the Regional Growth Fund had a two stage process with successful projects under stage one invited to submit a detail business case for stage two.