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Premier Anna Bligh today released “fly through” animation that gives a spectacular bird’s eye view of what the new Gold Coast Stadium will look like when finished next year.

One of the highlights is the solar panelling around the inner edge of the stadium's roof.

Premier Bligh said the panelling, a Queensland first, would generate about 275,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity a year.

“That’s about 20% of the stadium's electricity needs and would be enough to power more than 250 homes,” she said.

“This is a clean, green stadium of the future, partly powered by the sun to make best use of this alternative energy source and to reduce our overall carbon footprint."

Ms Bligh said the PV panelling, up to five metres in width, will be installed over 450 metres of roofing.

The stadium’s other “green” measures include high efficiency air conditioning, energy efficient lighting, and water harvesting. Materials from the demolished old stadium have been recycled.

The Premier said work on the 25,000 capacity stadium remained on track, with completion expected mid next year.

“This stadium is quickly taking shape. Contractors have installed more than 1,100 tonnes of steel, 1,350 tonnes of concrete, and 1,500 metres of electrical cabling.

“The stadium will be home to the new Gold Coast AFL team next year and will play a major part in the Commonwealth Games in 2018 if the Coast’s bid is successful.”

Gold Coast Suns CEO Travis Auld said the new flyover of Gold Coast Stadium gave a fantastic insight into what the community could expect when the facility was completed.

“The open spaces around the stadium are unique in AFL and will allow large fan and sponsor entertainment zones to be set up to give fans a memorable experience.

“From next year Gold Coasters will be able to watch their own team in their own stadium and we will be a new entertainment option for the Gold Coast.”

Ms Bligh said Stadiums Queensland venues pump more than $308 million into the state economy and provide more than 2,000 jobs across the state.

“The project importantly provides jobs for Queenslanders now and into the future.
“There are currently 130 workers onsite, up to 1,100 will be employed throughout the construction phase and when it becomes operational next year up to 700 jobs will be created per event,” she said.

"This venue will bring in additional economic benefits and provide a home for Gold Coast football fans to cheer on GCFC from 2011."

Gold Coast City Council Mayor Ron Clarke said the infrastructure would be a boost for the Gold Coast’s tourism sector in the future.

“We’ll soon have a home-grown AFL team to support and footy fans will fly to the Coast for a match and stay for a holiday.”