Carrara Stadium redevelopment gets underway

The $126 million redevelopment of the Gold Coast Stadium is one step closer today as demolition gets underway at the site in Carrara.

Premier, Anna Bligh and Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese were at Carrara today to sound the siren on the redevelopment and commence the demolition of the stadium.

Premier Bligh said she was looking forward to seeing the redevelopment take shape and the emergence of the GCFC as an AFL force to be reckoned with.

"There has been a wave of support for the new GCFC team on the Gold Coast and the Queensland Government is pleased to be working with the AFL and the other tiers of government to deliver this stadium. Today shows the people of the Gold Coast that they are one step closer to having a home grown AFL team to support.

Premier Bligh said the redeveloped facility is a key part of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games bid.

"I recently presented the Gold Coast's sporting and event credentials to the Commonwealth Games Federation's Annual General Assembly in Delhi. The Gold Coast, as a potential candidate city, was well received and a comprehensive assessment of its technical capacity to host the event will commence soon," she said

Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, said that the Rudd Government's $36 million contribution was part of our Economic Stimulus Plan to support jobs by building long-term infrastructure.

"This funding has meant that this major infrastructure project can go ahead and secured Gold Coast's place in the Australian Football League,

"This new, 25,000-seat AFL and sports stadium at Carrara will deliver an economic boost to the Gold Coast economy.

"Data provided by the AFL shows that, over a 10-year period, this project will generate $415 million of economic activity, as well as a direct tourism impact of $34 million every year through day trips and overnights stays for AFL matches.

"We are delivering first-class sporting infrastructure for the Gold Coast in partnership with Queensland, Gold Coast City Council, and the AFL.

"It will develop the code in south-east Queensland and encourage young people to get active in sport at a community and professional level," Mr Albanese said

Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said the new stadium would provide the city with a modern sports stadium, while delivering a tremendous boost to its economy.

"There will be an immediate creation of jobs during the construction phase, but even more importantly, it will provide significant ongoing employment for people in our city.

"It has been an essential element in both the securing of a new AFL licence for the Gold Coast and, even more importantly, ensuring the success of the team as an ongoing feature of the recreation, social and economic fabric of the city."

AFL Chief Operating Officer, Gillon McLachlan said "Today is another major step forward for AFL fans in the region. We know AFL is a great game to enjoy live and having a first class venue will only add to the experience.

"The re-developed Gold Coast Stadium is going to provide a fantastic home and training base for the Gold Coast Football Club but also for all the young players in the region through our talent programs like the Stingrays and Scorpions.

"The AFL is pleased to be a partner with the Federal and State governments and the Gold Coast City Council in giving new life to a venue that has a long association with our game," Mr McLachlan said.

The redeveloped Gold Coast Stadium is scheduled for completion in mid 2011. The Australian Commonwealth Games Association will make a decision early in 2010 if Australia is going to bid. A final decision on the host city for the 2018 Commonwealth Games will be made in late 2011.

Construction to involve:
• 1,400 tonnes of structural steel
• 7,000 cubic metres of concrete
• 500 tonnes of reinforcement
• 5,600 metres of precast concrete seating plats
• 9,600 square metres of fabric roof
• 92,000 square metres of plaza works
• 600 m (10,000 square metres) of external roadworks

About the Gold Coast Stadium:
• Home ground for the Gold Coast FC AFL team
• Capable of hosting cricket, entertainment and cultural events
• Field of Play 171 x 144m
• 25,000 capacity
• 2,000 corporate seats with a range of corporate facilities
• Large HD Video board
• Merchandising outlets and catering facilities
• Media, player and officials facilities