The Queensland Government has approved a $9 million program to support community sporting organisations that need to relocate while the $148 million Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade is being delivered ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
As part of the local upgrades commitment, the Government will deliver a new clubhouse for the Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club, upgrades to the Meridan Fields community sports complex, and temporary accommodation for sporting organisations impacted during construction.
“As construction gets underway at Sunshine Coast Stadium, we’re making sure local sporting clubs continue to thrive by investing in new facilities, upgraded community infrastructure and permanent assets that will benefit generations of Sunshine Coast families,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie
“This is exactly what our Games plan is about – building world-class venues while creating lasting opportunities for local communities, sporting clubs and future generations of Queenslanders.”
The Sunshine Coast Falcons Rugby League Club, currently headquartered at Sunshine Coast Stadium, will temporarily relocate following the 2026 Hostplus Cup season to enable construction to commence. For the 2027 season, the Falcons will play at the nearby Meridan Fields community sports complex, which will receive upgraded field lighting, timekeeping and game filming facilities, new goal posts and temporary spectator seating. For the 2028 and 2029 seasons, the Falcons will relocate to the Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club, which will receive a brand-new clubhouse creating a permanent asset for the local sporting community.
Several sporting organisations currently based at Sunshine Coast Stadium will also be temporarily accommodated within the Kawana Sports Hub during construction, ensuring community sport continues uninterrupted.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli said Council had worked closely with each club over several years to plan for the future and support a smooth transition, as major sporting infrastructure projects progressed across the region.
“We know this will bring change for a number of clubs and their members, and we appreciate the way our sporting community has worked with us throughout the planning process,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Council has already invested more than $2 million in upgrades to Meridan fields, and this Queensland Government funding will help create an even stronger sporting precinct that local clubs, players and spectators can enjoy for years to come.
“These projects are about more than infrastructure. They are about supporting our children and adults – creating opportunities for people to stay active, connected and involved in their local community.
“I want to thank the Queensland Government for its investment and partnership and, most importantly, the clubs, committees, volunteers, players, families and members who have engaged positively and helped shape these outcomes for our region.”
The local infrastructure upgrades sit outside the jointly funded $7.1 billion Games Venue Infrastructure Program, which is delivering 17 Games venue projects across Queensland.
The Government said design work is progressing well following the appointment of leading Queensland firm Architectus as Principal Architect, with early site works commencing later this year ahead of major construction beginning in 2027.
The upgraded stadium will feature increased grandstand capacity, enhanced community and event spaces, improved player amenities and greater accessibility.
The venue is set to host football group stage and quarter-final matches during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, showcasing the Sunshine Coast to a global audience while leaving behind infrastructure local communities will enjoy for generations.
Sunshine Coast Falcons CEO, Chris Flannery said the club was excited to work with Government, Sunshine Coast Council and the Kawana Dolphins to deliver the Dolphins seniors a brand-new clubhouse, as well as male and female dressing room facilities.
“This facility will provide a first-class playing venue for the Falcons teams to use while the new Stadium development takes place over the next few years and leave a lasting legacy for the Kawana Dolphins teams to train and play in going forward,” Mr Flannery said.
“The current Kawana Clubhouse and dressing rooms have remained largely the same for over 40 years, since I was playing here as a junior, so to see the Kawana Dolphins players, staff, members and volunteers finally get a new clubhouse and facility, is a wonderful outcome for everyone involved.”
Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League President, Michelle Horn said the government’s support provided certainty for the club’s members and remaining at Kawana allows them to continue building the club’s proud history while providing certainty for future generations.
“This is an opportunity to create a lasting legacy that will serve the Kawana community, strengthen rugby league on the Sunshine Coast and provide a permanent home for generations of Dolphins to come,” Ms Horn said.
“This support allows us to preserve more than three decades of rugby league history while creating an exciting future for our club and the wider Kawana community.
“The new clubhouse will become the permanent home of the Kawana Dolphins Seniors and a place where our community can continue to gather, celebrate and grow together.”
