Stadiums Queensland - Queensland Parliament - Queensland ...

The impacts of such a severe economic downturn on the
sporting franchises, and others who use Stadiums Queensland
venues. are hopefully lessened to some extent in that our
hirers are not required to make a contribution to the costs
of servicing the loans taken out to build the quality venues
which showcase their events. This relieves the hirers of a
considerable overhead, and is only possible because of the
support the Queensland Government provides to Stadiums
Queensland in the form of funding to meet these loan
repayments. In addition, some $27 million was expended in
capital works, which included a package of upgrades at Dairy
Farmers Stadium and major refurbishments to the Brisbane
Entertainment Centre. The installation of water harvesting
infrastructure and water efficiency devices across all venues
was also funded as part of the capital works program.
Stadiums Queensland appreciates the support it receives from
its Minister, the Hon Phil Reeves MP. Mr Reeves was appointed
Minister for Sport in February 2009 and since that time has
been actively engaged in working with Stadiums Queensland
to increase utilisation of our assets, and their ongoing
development as world class venues.
I would also like to thank our dedicated staff, the staff of
AEG Ogden (who operate Suncorp Stadium and the Brisbane
Entertainment Centre on behalf of Stadiums Queensland) and
Tennis Queensland which operates the Queensland Tennis
Centre under a lease arrangement with Stadiums Queensland.
The commitment of Stadiums Queensland staff and our venue
operators to the service of the almost 3.8 million patrons who
attended our eight sporting and entertainment facilities in the
past year is appreciated. It is important to acknowledge the
part played by the many contractors and partners we work with
who also make a valuable contribution to the overall operation
of our venues and the successful conduct of events.
The coming year will bring with it new challenges, however
Stadiums Queensland is well placed to respond to changes
within the sporting and entertainment industry and is looking
forward to another year of growth as it commences the
construction of its ninth venue - a new stadium at Carrara which
will be home to the Gold Coast AFL team which is scheduled to
enter the AFL Premiership competition in 2011.
The contribution of the former Minister for Sport, the Hon Judy
Spence MP (2007 – 2009) is also acknowledged. Her support
of Stadiums Queensland in its quest to improve the facilities at
its venues was greatly appreciated.
I would like to acknowledge the work of the Stadiums
Queensland Board and express appreciation for the valuable
contribution each Director makes to the governance of this
dynamic and expanding enterprise.
Kevin Yearbury
Chief Executive
Annual Report 2008–09
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