The Australian Government will provide $15 million towards the construction of a permanent training and administration base for the Gold Coast SUNS in the Metricon Stadium precinct.

The Minister for Sport, Sussan Ley, joined the Member for Moncrieff, Steven Ciobo, to announce the funding prior to the GC SUNS’ first home game of the season.

“The SUNS are a key part of the Gold Coast sporting and cultural landscape and this facility will provide increased opportunities for the growth of the AFL in the region,” Ms Ley said.

“This redevelopment will also contribute important infrastructure for the staging of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.”

Parliamentary Secretary Steven Ciobo highlighted the growing strength of the SUNS on the Gold Coast.

“This investment will ensure the SUNS continue to have a viable long-term base on the Gold Coast,” Mr Ciobo said.

“A facility of this quality can only help on-field success and contribute to the SUNS' bright future.”

The total cost of the project is estimated at $22 million. The AFL and the SUNS will jointly contribute $7 million.

GC SUNS Chairman, John Witheriff, last night welcomed the funding announcement.

“This announcement is the final piece of the puzzle in establishing the infrastructure required to secure an elite AFL team on the Gold Coast.

“It’s a significant day for our football club, the Gold Coast SUNS will now have a home to be proud of.

“This facility will be one that the entire Gold Coast Community can be proud of and will be home to some of the best sporting facilities in the country. It will ensure our community develops elite sportsmen and role models on and off the field,” Mr Witheriff said.

In addition to the funding for the Metricon Stadium works, the Australian Government has provided $154 million to upgrade major sports infrastructure for the 2018 Commonwealth Games throughout Queensland.

This includes approximately half of the infrastructure investment in the $122 million Carrara Sports Precinct that includes stadium upgrades and new the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre that will be the centrepiece of the 2018 Games.