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Federal Government helps fund sports stadium construction
Construction of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s $10 million indoor sports stadium has received a welcome boost, with the Federal Government agreeing to pay for half the cost of the building.
Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training Julie Bishop announced recently that USC would receive $5 million through the Voluntary Student Unionism Transition Fund for Sporting and Recreational Facilities.
USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas said he was delighted the University would receive money from the fund that was established principally to help regional universities.
“I was more excited about this funding than any other for a long time because we applied for $5 million and we received $5 million,’’ he said.
“To get that level of support is outstanding. It comes at a time when we’re fairly extended in our capital works program to meet the needs of students.”
The Queensland Government has contributed $2.9 million to the stadium, with $2million from Department of Education, Training and the Arts and $900,000 from the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Professor Thomas said the multi-purpose indoor sports centre, which is on schedule for completion in May, would be used for University and community sporting events and for some USC ceremonies.
“There will be access for the community to use the stadium and, in an area where there are relatively few public facilities, the University is making another major contribution to the community, leisure and sport,” he said.
The air-conditioned 3705 square metre stadium accommodates three basketball courts and also will be used for netball, futsal (indoor soccer), volleyball and badminton. It will have spectator seating, multi-purpose rooms, a tutorial room, office, first aid room, an officials' room, toilet/change room amenities and storage rooms.