$1M to plan new athletics facility at UniSQ Toowoomba

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is beginning planning for a new athletics facility at its Toowoomba campus following a $1 million investment from the Queensland Government.

The funding, delivered through the Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program, will support the design and business case development for a modern athletics precinct at the UniSQ Toowoomba campus.

The proposed facility is intended to support local athletics clubs, schools and community sport, while strengthening pathways for regional athletes as Queensland prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

UniSQ Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Glen Coleman said the funding would enable the University to begin the next stage of planning for a facility designed to benefit both the UniSQ and the wider Toowoomba communities.

“This funding enables UniSQ to begin the detailed planning for a modern athletics precinct that will support the region’s athletes, schools and community sport,” Professor Coleman said.

“As we move toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, projects like this help ensure regional Queensland plays a role in developing the next generation of athletes.

“Through the design and consultation process, we want to create a facility that delivers lasting benefits for the Darling Downs and UniSQ communities.”

Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said the investment recognised the importance of regional Queensland in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.

“We want young athletes growing up on the Darling Downs to know they can train, compete and succeed right here in their own backyard,” Mr Janetzki said.

“This initial investment towards the design and planning for a new athletics facility at UniSQ will assist in substantiating the long-term advocacy by local athletes, schools and sporting organisations in meeting the region’s growing sporting needs.

UniSQ will progress detailed planning and consultation as part of the next phase of the project.