Browne Park masterplan unveiled as government doubles funding

Construction will start this year on the redevelopment of Browne Park, with the Queensland Government doubling its commitment to $54 million, as the masterplan is revealed for the Rockhampton venue.

Stage 1 of the project will deliver a brand new 3,500-seat western grandstand, boosting the venue’s capacity by 2,000 to 7,000, while a future northern stand will further increase capacity to 10,000.

The new stand will feature a timber structured roof, four universally designed change rooms, public amenities, food and beverage outlets, media and coach facilities, corporate areas, a function room and broadcast facilities, and offices for the Central Queensland Capras and QRL.

The Palaszczuk Government has more than doubled the initial election commitment made in 2020 to account for significant escalations in the building industry and supply chain issues, site challenges like water and sewerage upgrades, and the need to meet professional sport requirements to host games including NRL.

Demolition works of the existing 750-seat Jack Crow Stand are scheduled to commence mid this year and the main construction works to begin later in 2023, with an expected completion ahead of the 2025 rugby league season.

The project is expected to create more than 170 local jobs and has the potential to put Rockhampton on the global map for international team training on the runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Upon completion of all stages of the master plan, the full ground capacity will double to 10,000. Locals will also be able to have their say on the full site master plan during Infrastructure Designation public consultation in coming months.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “Browne Park has been the home to NRL in Central Queensland for more than 100 years. This $54 million investment is a game changer for Rockhampton and will bring big NRL games to the region and create a state-of-the-art home for sports here in Central Queensland.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said, “Whether it’s Rookwood Weir, the Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline or Browne Park, our Government is committed to delivering Central Queensland the big projects it deserves.”

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said, “Browne Park’s upgrade makes Central Queensland even more attractive as a destination for major NRL, rugby and A-league events, as well as concerts and festivals.

“Every game, every event will add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the visitor economy and that’s great news for local accommodation and hospitality providers and tourism operators.”

The Premier has promised Browne Park will be 'bigger, brighter and bolder', as she announced a $54 million upgrade. https://t.co/WbYeQT6ZHu @ElyceHolden #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/4BFJHazy0w

— 7NEWS Central Queensland (@7NewsCQ) March 1, 2023

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke added, “As the home of rugby league in Central Queensland, which hosted an NRL semi-final in 2021 between Parramatta and Newcastle, Browne Park will get a new lease of life and I can’t wait for the dozers to start rolling in later this year.”

The Browne Park redevelopment is expected to boost the local economy and tourism, while also providing a modern and state-of-the-art home for sports in Central Queensland.