Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

The Australian Government will provide $2.5 million to establish a National Training Centre for Aerial Skiing in South East Queensland, the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, said today.

‘Australia has a strong record in aerial skiing and I am pleased to announce the Government will make this grant to the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia to support our winter athletes,' Senator Brandis said.

‘Unlike most other similar facilities in the world, which are built in or around ski resorts, the National Training Centre for Aerial Skiing in Queensland can remain operational for 12 months of the year.'

The new centre will feature five jumps over a 30 metre by 25 metre pool that will be up to four metres deep with a high pressure aeration bubble system.

Other winter Olympic sports, including moguls skiing and halfpipe snowboard, will also use the facility to develop new manoeuvres and improve skills. 

‘The training centre will also permit Australian athletes to live and train in their home country,' Senator Brandis said.

‘It can offer access to athletes in other disciplines, such as water polo, and from other nations that lack access to comparable facilities.

‘The Government expects the new facility will achieve international recognition as a centre of excellence that both enhances the competitive edge of our premier athletes while allowing for the development of winter sports at the grass roots level.'

The grant from the Australian Government is subject to matching funding from the Queensland Government.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

03/07
Thursday, 8 February 2007