Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, will today announce $44 million in funding support for a Paralympic Centre of Excellence.
The Premier says the centre, at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, will be a world-leading facility helping participation and training for para-athletes in the lead-up to the 2032 Games.
It would include:
- International standard sport venues;
- A wheelchair/prosthetics workshop;
- Dedicated testing facilities;
- Accessibility to student workforce and education.
“A Paralympic Centre of excellence inspires more parathletes to compete in 2032,” the Premier said.
“But it also provides invaluable research and other opportunities for our community. This is what Legacy is all about: the long-lasting benefits to our community long after the Closing Ceremonies.”
The Queensland Government will provide $44 million towards the Centre of Excellence, with the University to invest a further $44 million. The University is seeking matched funding from the Federal Government.
The facility will cater for 20 of the 23 Paralympic sports and employ 22 fulltime staff.
Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting he Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, Stirling Hinchliffe says the facility will set a new international benchmark for inclusion and elite Paralympic sport.
“This will be the first Centre of Excellence of its kind anywhere in the world combining leading research, sport technology, rehabilitation, and a potential runway to a Paralympics medal podium in 2032,” he said.
“With facilities at the University of Queensland already geared to 20 out of 23 current Paralympic sports, the St Lucia campus is a ready-made location for an enduring legacy.”
Paralympics Australia President, Jock O’Callaghan congratulated the Queensland Government on today’s announcement, saying he looked forward to progressing the world-leading plan with the Federal Government
“This is an overwhelming demonstration from the Queensland Government that the Brisbane 2032 can deliver tangible outcomes before the Games and a meaningful legacy that will live on for generations to come,” he said.
“This proposed development can not only produce future Paralympic champions and develop world-leading sporting expertise, but importantly, provide a range of opportunities to improve the lives of Australians living with a disability.
Construction is expected to begin in 2025-26 and be completed in 2027-28.
