Funding backing for Redcliffe Dolphins Stadium could boost NRL bid

The Federal Government has announced that it will contribute $4 million to redevelop the Redcliffe Dolphins Stadium at Kippa-Ring north of Brisbane.

Funding for the venue, also known as Dolphin Oval, will see the new Stadium expanded to accommodate 10,000 people with covered seating, upgraded change rooms and a recreation area for schools and junior player camps.

The funding, in addition to $3 million already secured from Moreton Bay Regional Council is also expected to boost the Brisbane Bombers NRL expansion consortium team says the funding of a new boutique Redcliffe stadium could be a boon to their bid.

Speaking to Fairfax Media in June, Redcliffe Dolphins Chairman Bob Jones said a boutique stadium would be helpful for the region's NRL push, though home games for any NRL team in the region would likely be played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Bombers bid Chairman Craig Davison has previously stated his confidence that a second Brisbane team will be in the NRL in 2018.

Bombers bid Chief Executive Nicholas Livermore said they would be keen to work with the Dolphins if the Bombers were ultimately awarded an NRL licence, stating "we've identified way back we had a meeting with Redcliffe and looked at that opportunity, if we were awarded an NRL licence, participating in growth in second-tier rugby league.

The Redcliffe Dolphins currently play in the Queensland Cup while their ground also has rugby union, football and hockey teams playing and training on its ovals.

Image: An artist's impression of the proposed Dolphin Stadium at Redcliffe.

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