A Shorten Labor Government would invest in an upgrade to Queensland Tennis Centre, including Pat Rafter Arena, to unlock its potential as a key destination for international events.

Labor’s investment of $17.8 million would go towards increasing the seating capacity to 7,500, upgrading the facilities and providing additional tensioned fabric roofing over the new seating to create an even more comfortable experience for fans and players.

At the next election, voters will have a choice between Labor’s plan for sporting infrastructure that’s good for the economy and good for locals who want to play, and the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.

The Queensland Tennis Centre’s ability to grow is currently significantly constrained. The facilities and precinct operate at maximum capacity throughout the Brisbane International, which is the state’s leading annual international event. The International attracts 100,000 attendees from Queensland, Australia and around the world each year.

This event, and others staged throughout the year at the Queensland Tennis Centre, deliver a total annual economic value of $26 million to Queensland’s state economy, showcasing the value of sports tourism.

Brisbane is internationally recognised as a key event on the tennis calendar for the world’s best players. The investment in upgrading the facilities will cement the venue for players and fans alike as one of the best tennis events in the world.

Insufficient weatherproofing at the Pat Rafter Arena means centre court matches can be cancelled due to bad weather, which poses a significant risk to hosting and broadcasting of the Queensland Tennis Centre’s most valuable international events.

In 2020, the Queensland Tennis Centre will host a festival of world-class tennis that includes ATP Cup (Men), Brisbane International (Women) and community events for all ages, that bring international attention to Queensland and our sporting community.

The Queensland Tennis Centre also provides opportunities for locals, delivering valuable events, programs and community access to the sport.

Australia is a great sporting nation. Sporting events play an important role in our economy, attracting visitors from overseas and interstate, while adding an extra cultural dimension to our cities.

Only Labor has a plan for Australia’s sporting infrastructure.