New UniSQ athletics facility to prepare future Olympians and boost regional growth

A new high-performance athletics facility, including a tartan track, at UniSQ Toowoomba will drive opportunity and educational aspiration and prepare the next generation of athletes across the region in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Funded by the State Government, the project will deliver lasting social impact across the Darling Downs and Southern Queensland by creating new opportunities in education, health and wellbeing, and high performance sport.

UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson said the facility would be transformative for students, athletes, and the wider community.

“A new high-performance athletics facility on our Toowoomba campus will enable UniSQ to support and grow our future athletes and improve community health outcomes through high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and community engagement.”

“Sport offers more than competition; it’s also about creating pathways to higher education for our communities across the Darling Downs and Southern Queensland for a better future,” Professor Nelson said.

Queensland Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said UniSQ was the perfect location for a sports precinct.

“Our kids, elite athletes, and community deserve a local athletics hub,” Mr Janetski said.

“Brisbane 2032 is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver infrastructure and grassroots sports legacy to benefit our state and I’m determined to ensure the Darling Downs region reaps the rewards.”

Professor Nelson said the new facility would complement the Toowoomba Regional Council’s development at Charlton, further cementing the region’s reputation as a hub for sport, health, and wellbeing.

“We look forward to working closely with the State Government, Toowoomba Regional Council, and local organisations to ensure we deliver maximum benefit for our region,” she said.

UniSQ is also building a state-of-the-art Health and Performance facility at its Ipswich campus.

UniSQ Director of Sport Professor Stephen Bird said the projects represented a landmark moment for sport and education in Southern Queensland.
 
“These new facilities are an investment in our communities – centred on people, pathways, and potential,” Professor Bird said.

“By integrating high-performance sport with education and research, UniSQ is creating opportunities for young athletes to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve more, both on and off the field.

“With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, we are building the foundation to inspire the next generation of champions right here in our community.”