Carrara Stadium Preview

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has released the first images of what the completed Gold Coast Stadium at Carrara will look like - giving the Gold Coast an exclusive sneak peak of what the $126 million project has to offer.

Work on the impressive 25,000 capacity stadium, which will be home to the Gold Coast AFL team, will begin as early as next month.

"This stadium is great news for Gold Coast Aussie Rules and great news for the Gold Coast economy," Ms Bligh said. "It will support local jobs now, boost tourism and sport, and build the infrastructure that the Gold Coast needs for the future. And we can see from these images that it's going to look absolutely fantastic I have no doubt this stadium will be a great home for the Gold Coast FC team, and a place for footy fans to visit time and time again. This project also means local jobs. It will provide up to 950 full time jobs during the construction, and anywhere up to 700 jobs per event once it becomes operational. "

The Bligh Government has committed $60 million towards the stadium - part of the Government's record $18.2 billion building program which is protecting 127,000 jobs across the State. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese MP said the federal funding of $36 million showed that the Rudd Government was serious about delivering infrastructure which means jobs on the Gold Coast. The funding towards the stadium is through the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program - the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.

"Through the Rudd Government's economic stimulus package, we're investing in major projects like this to support local jobs and economies," Mr Albanese said. Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, a life-long AFL fan, has hailed the stadium redevelopment as a momentous event for Australia's sixth largest city. He said: "At last, after so much hard work, it is all starting to come together. The new stadium will give a fantastic boost to the sport, delight local fans and provide a big shot in the arm to our local economy. "After 50 years of travelling all over Melbourne every Saturday in the rain and the cold, I cannot think of anything better for southern footy fans than escaping to the beautiful Gold Coast in the middle of a freezing Melbourne winter to follow your team? They can come for a game and stay for a holiday. I think it's fantastic."

AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou said the development of this stadium topped off a great year for the AFL.

"The Gold Coast Football Club is also going from strength to strength. In their first year, they played in the TAC Cup finals series and have just extended the contract of their senior coach Guy McKenna, through until 2012. So the group of young men from the Coast and around Australia will have the chance to work together under the same leadership team right through to their first AFL season in 2011.

"The AFL is pleased to be a partner with the Federal and State governments and the Gold Coast City Council to develop this excellent facility for the community. The new stadium is a critical part of the long-term growth of the game in the region and will provide local sports fans with a first-class experience of AFL when its completed."

The Gold Coast Stadium was designed by Queensland based sports architects Populous, and is to be constructed by Watpac. Both companies worked on Skilled Park.

Senior Principal at Populous, Alastair Richardson said "The stadium has been designed with the players and fans in mind. We've aimed for the best viewing standards for all patrons to maximize the fan experience."

About the Gold Coast Stadium:

• Home ground for the Gold Coast FC AFL team
• Capable of hosting cricket, entertainment and cultural events
• Field of Play 171 x 144m
• 25,000 capacity (23,500 seating and 1,500 standing)
• 2,000 corporate seats with a range of corporate facilities, including: Chairman's lounge, Field Club, Club Lounge, Corporate suites, BBQ Decks
• Large HD Video board
• Merchandising outlets and catering facilities
• Media, player and officials facilities