Queensland has opened a new innings in high-performance sport with today's launch of a $19 million National Cricket Campus in Brisbane.
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the international transformation of Allan Border Field was the start of a big future for the National Cricket Campus.
"This is a $19 million, three-stage investment in Queensland's place as an Australian leader in high-performance sport and talent development," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Today's opening of Allan Border Field completes the National Cricket Campus, delivering a new home for women's cricket and a premier venue for state, national and youth championships.
"Allan Border Field's refurbishment at Albion upgrades the ground to ICC standard for international cricket, right down to the new white picket fences.
"The centre wicket block has been expanded to 11 turf wickets and the eastern boundary stretched by 13 metres to meet the ICC's international cricket requirements.
"Field lighting has been upgraded with the renovation of the playing surface and new broadcast TV infrastructure including wiring for stump cameras and microphones.
"Next door at Ray Lindwall Oval, five new international standard training wickets have also been built to create a new international cricket precinct for games and training.
"Together with Allan Border Field, this puts Albion on the map as a very attractive destination for international cricket teams playing and training in Queensland.
"It's an exciting future for the Campus as a hub for the best coaches, administrators and sport scientists, all working to develop the next generation of cricket talent.
"The three-stages of the National Cricket Campus supported 300 jobs ahead of a sizzling summer of international cricket in Queensland."
The National Cricket Campus is spread over two sites including Allan Border Field and the Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club grounds at Shaw Road, Kedron.
Upgrades at Kedron include an ultramodern pavilion, new turf wickets on three ovals, 16 turf practice wickets with nets, new lighting, more carparking and better public facilities.
The Palaszczuk Government contributed $7 million to the Campus with funding also from the Federal Government, Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket and Brisbane City Council.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said the handover of Allan Border Field to complete the NCC project was cause for celebration.
"The National Cricket Campus has been a priority infrastructure project for Australian Cricket and today's opening is a special moment for the many people who have worked so hard to turn this ambitious vision into reality," said Mr Hockley.
"We thank the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Cricket and Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club for their wonderful support of the project.
"The Allan Border Field redevelopment completes Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia's commitment to create a 365-day facility that provides a world-class training and playing environment for our elite national and state teams, as well as a fantastic facility for community use as we work together to inspire and develop the next generation of Queensland and Australian cricketers.
"Cricket Australia thanks and congratulates the Queensland Cricket Board and staff, as well as staff at the Bupa National Cricket Centre for their dedication to the National Cricket Campus project and we look forward to seeing the redeveloped facilities in action."
Mr Hinchliffe said four Super 12 Games of the T20 World Cup would be played at The Gabba from late October.
"There are also up to eight warm-up matches likely for The Gabba and the new international standard Allan Border Field," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"We're expecting a record six international touring teams in Queensland this summer, a Test Match in December and games in Townsville, Cairns and the Gold Coast.
"More training camps, national performance programs and visiting international teams to the National Cricket Campus all contribute to our visitor economy.
"The T20 World Cup alone is likely to generate almost $5 million for local accommodation, transport and hospitality providers."
