Cairns Regional Council will enter the next phase of investigation into the feasibility of a $66 million rectangular stadium.

This week councillors voted to adopt an initial needs study that confirmed there was sufficient demand for an asset with a 20,000 audience capacity, including 10,000 seats.

“We know we have a strong sporting culture in Cairns and we want to be able to provide quality sporting infrastructure and access to high-level competition,” Acting Mayor Margaret Cochrane said.

The next stage of the study will include identifying suitable locations, completion of a concept plan and a preliminary risk analysis, and will cost almost $150,000 to complete.

Community, Sport and Cultural Services General Manager Ian Lowth said a preliminary construction cost had been estimated at $66.4 million, based on an unidentified site "with many variables yet to be determined."

“This gives us a starting point to look at, but the next stage of the study will start to firm up some of the variables and give a more accurate insight into the potential costs and liabilities,” Mr Lowth said.

“Much of the public feedback received in response to the draft needs study was generally in favour of improved sporting infrastructure, though there were differing opinions about how this should be achieved."

Written responses on the draft were received from 15 organisations and 82 community members.

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“We have appointed an independent consultant to undertake these studies so we can indentify the most suitable and cost-effective options for consideration by Council,” Mr Lowth said.

Council estimates that 576 jobs will be created during construction plus an addtional 132 jobs for the operation of the stadium.

The Stage 1 report states that the stadium is likely to run at a substantial loss.

"The financial assessment undertaken based on the anticipated content level and attendance levels indicates that the demand is not sufficient to allow the venue to be sustainable in its own right

when accounting for required match return to clubs, maintenance, sinking fund and depreciation.

"The estimated annual deficit for the stadium is $1.9 million, inclusive of sinking fund and depreciation, a situation not uncommon with other stadiums."

The full Stage 1 report can be viewed here

Stage 2 of the study is expected to start before the end of the year with completion expected in April 2012. 

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