The University of Southern Queensland has won a $1 million grant to plan and design a new athletics centre at its Darling Heights campus.
The grant is part of the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The university’s athletics centre would support local athletics clubs, schools and community sport.
Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said Toowoomba was a major sporting hub for the Darling Downs and South West region, regularly hosting state and national competitions across sports including rugby league, football, athletics and cycling.
© University of Southern Queensland
“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.
“As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, investments like this help ensure regional Queensland shares in the benefits far beyond the four weeks of sport.”
University of Southern Queensland Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Glen Coleman said the funding would enable UniSQ to begin the next stage of planning for the new athletics facility at its Toowoomba campus.
“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 Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the project will 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.”