Photo Credit: Queensland Cricket
Queensland Cricket has officially launched its updated Infrastructure Strategy for the 2023-24 season, outlining a comprehensive plan to enhance cricket facilities across the state. The strategy is a result of extensive consultations with clubs, associations, and local councils, and presents a roadmap for developing cricket infrastructure at regional, Premier Cricket, and state levels.
The updated strategy encompasses 189 priority projects, emphasising the commitment to grassroots development. Additionally, it outlines 12 pillars for Premier Cricket facility development, reinforcing the importance of high-quality infrastructure at the elite level. Among the State Strategic priority projects is the ambitious redevelopment of the Allan Border Field precinct. The venue is set to play a pivotal role during the Gabba’s redevelopment for the 2032 Olympics, providing a world-class alternative for domestic and international cricket matches.
A significant highlight of the strategy is the focus on securing funding from Local, State, and Federal Governments to support key infrastructure projects. Since the previous update in 2022-23, Queensland Cricket has successfully secured funding for five State Strategic priority projects, namely Carmichael Park, Oxenham Park, Fehlberg Park, Griffiths Park, and Harrup Park.
An exemplary case in which partnerships with governments drive infrastructure is the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Queensland Cricket entered with the Redlands Cricket Club and Redlands City Council. The MOU was recently finalised, marking a collaborative effort to implement the Redlands Cricket Inc Masterplan.
QC CEO Terry Svenson and Redlands Mayor Karen Williams led discussions with representatives of Redlands Cricket Club, the Redlands Sporting Club, and Cricket Australia to solidify the MOU. The agreement covers a comprehensive masterplan, including field lighting upgrades, change room extensions, an indoor turf training facility, new fence paneling, and a grandstand at Peter Burge Oval in the EGW Wood sporting complex at Wellington Point.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams emphasized the wide-ranging benefits of this partnership.
She commented, “The MOU enables Redlands Cricket Club to advocate for critical infrastructure improvements that cater to players at all levels. As the Gabba undergoes redevelopment for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Redlands Coast positions itself to host elite-level cricket events, presenting a unique opportunity for the local community.”
The MOU not only addresses immediate needs but also aligns with broader initiatives. The recent inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has catalysed investment in cricket infrastructure along the south-east corridor. Queensland Cricket is strategically examining facility hierarchies during the Gabba’s downtime, presenting potential opportunities for Redlands Coast to attract matches during the displacement period and possibly during Brisbane 2032.
The launch of Queensland Cricket’s updated Infrastructure Strategy not only sets a comprehensive vision for the state’s cricketing future but also exemplifies successful collaborations, such as the partnership between Redlands Cricket Club and various stakeholders. As these initiatives unfold, Queensland Cricket paves the way for a robust and sustainable cricketing landscape across the state.
