Latest news with #QueenslandBulls
Perth Now
03-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Major hurdle cleared for ‘best Games ever'
Brisbane's Olympic dream is now a step closer to reality, with billions in federal funds secured to fast-track critical Games infrastructure.A landmark funding agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments has officially unlocked $3.4bn in federal contributions. The deal, announced on Thursday, will help deliver the infrastructure needed for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, setting the stage for one of the largest sporting investments in Australian history. An artist's impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Queensland government. Credit: Supplied The deal confirms a combined $7.1bn Games Venue Infrastructure Program, with both governments now committed to delivering 17 new or upgraded sporting venues across Queensland, including a world-class 63,000-seat main stadium at Victoria Park and a National Aquatic Centre. These venues will form the heart of the Games precinct and serve as lasting legacy infrastructure well beyond 2032. The Victoria Park stadium, set to host the Games' opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics events, is designed to become the future home of major sporting teams like the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls and will be capable of hosting major events such as Test cricket and international concerts. Early site works, including geotechnical and environmental assessments, are already under way, with the Queensland government also working on cultural heritage agreements with First Nations groups. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said while efforts were being made to reach an agreement with First Nations groups over the Victoria Park redevelopment, state laws 'will override' if consensus cannot be reached. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirm an agreement for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Dan Peled / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Procurement for work to begin at four key 'minor venues', the Logan Indoor Sports Centre, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade and an upgrade of Barlow Park in Cairns, was also launched on Thursday. These projects will begin shortly, with the Queensland government promising shovels in the ground and fast-tracked delivery. The updated venue delivery plan replaces Labor's former proposal for a new indoor arena in Brisbane's CBD. Under the LNP government's revised approach, the private sector will deliver an arena at Woolloongabba, while taxpayer funds are redirected to other legacy projects, including a Toowoomba Equestrian Centre, a dedicated para-sport facility, and an expanded Queensland Tennis Centre. Speaking at a conference at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Mr Bleijie said the agreement represented the beginning of a new partnership between state and federal governments to deliver the 'best Games ever'. He confirmed that $5.15bn in state funds had already been allocated in Queensland's latest budget to support the delivery of the venues. Plans for a world-class 7000-seat Games arena, athlete village and five-star hotel on the Sunshine Coast have been revealed by Walker Corporation in their Horizon Centre proposal. Credit: Supplied Mr Bleijie also addressed recent speculation that a new Olympic Park train station could be built near the new stadium site, stating that while the idea may have been explored in early discussions, no such plan has been formally announced. However, he reaffirmed the government's broader commitment to infrastructure, including upgraded roads and rail networks. 'I'm not ruling anything in and out,' he said. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the Games would be a transformative moment for the state, drawing comparisons to the legacy of Sydney 2000 and describing the investment as the largest contribution the Commonwealth has ever made to sporting infrastructure. In addition to Games venues, the federal government has committed $12.4bn to major transport upgrades across Queensland, including the Bruce Highway, faster rail to the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail project. Sport Minister Anika Wells and Queensland's Games Minister Tim Mander also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the Games delivered benefits for all Queenslanders, not just in the southeast but statewide. Mr Bleijie wouldn't rule 'anything in or out'. NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia This includes investing in grassroots sporting programs and doubling federal investment in Australia's Paralympians ahead of 2032. Games Infrastructure Authority chairman Stephen Conroy said work was progressing across all 17 authority venues, with significant input from technical experts during the 100-day review. A new chief executive will soon be appointed to oversee the rollout of the delivery program. Mr Bleijie said the government also remained committed to include Rockhampton as the host location for Olympic rowing events. With legislation already passed to exempt Games infrastructure from major planning laws and procurement officially under way, both governments said the path was now clear to deliver a Games that would not only unite the nation but redefine Queensland's sporting and infrastructure landscape for generations to come.
Herald Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Queensland cricket contract list: Usman Khawaja signs on
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News. Test batsman Usman Khawaja has agreed to play on with the Queensland Bulls despite his stunning late season clash with Joe Dawes. Khawaja has been named on the Queensland Bulls player list as one of three players contracted by Cricket Australia who will play for the Bulls next summer. The veteran batsman had a major falling out with Bulls director of cricket Dawes who publicly criticised Khawaja for not being available for the final Sheffield Shield regular round match against South Australia. Khawaja was upset by the criticism and it is believed the duo have not spoken since. But following talks with Queensland Cricket boss Terry Svenson, Khawaja has agreed to stay on for what could be the final season of his first class career. In a season which features five Ashes Tests, Khawaja may only play two or three Shield games. Young pace bowlers Tom Whitney and Tom Straker, who showed promise in their debut first class summers, have been promoted to full contracts. Straker, 19, claimed 12 wickets in five Shield games while Whitney bagged 11 in three. Queensland's pace depth has been bolstered with former Australian under-19 quick Tom Balkin gaining a contract for the first time. Three players – fast man Lian Guthrie who has lined with Northamptonshire, Bryce Street and Connor Sully, have dropped out of the squad. Originally published as Usman Khawaja agrees to stay with Queensland Bulls after feud with Joe Dawes
Sky News AU
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Sky News AU
Cricket: Usman Khawaja to remain with Queensland
Test opener Usman Khawaja will again play for the Queensland Bulls next season despite his feud with the state's head of elite cricket Joe Dawes. Khawaja was furious with Dawes for suggesting that the veteran batsman had 'no hamstring issues', the reason given for him not playing for the Bulls in their final match of the regular Sheffield Shield season in March against South Australia. 'Joe Dawes came out the other day and said a few inflammatory things, which was really disappointing to me as a player,' Khawaja said in March. 'Joe said the medical staff had no idea (about my hamstring injury). That is 100 per cent wrong.' Despite his anger, Khawaja, 38, will again play for the Bulls as one of three Cricket Australia contracted players – the other two being state captain Marnus Labuschagne and paceman Xavier Bartlett – named in Queensland's 2025-26 squad. The squad also includes emerging pace bowlers Tom Whitney and Tom Straker, who have secured full contracts after being elevated from the rookie list. Usman Khawaja will again play for the Queensland Bulls next season. Picture:Dropping out of the squad are left-arm paceman Liam Guthrie, who has linked with English County side Northamptonshire, left-handed batsman Bryce Street and paceman Connor Sully. 'We wish Liam all the best at Northants under (former Bulls coach) Darren Lehmann and will stay close to Bryce and Connor as they tackle new challenges,'' Dawes said. 'The Bulls have plenty of incentives to build on their improvement last season, and we will back the squad to convert that potential into trophies in the coming seasons. 'We're excited about what lies ahead and look forward to improving as individuals and as a squad in the first-class and one-day competitions.' Queensland Bulls 2025-26 squad: Cricket Australia contracted: Xavier Bartlett (Gold Coast), Usman Khawaja (Valley), Marnus Labuschagne (Redlands). Queensland contracted: Max Bryant (Valley), Hugo Burdon (Gold Coast), Jack Clayton (University of Qld), Lachlan Hearne (Toombul), Angus Lovell (University of Qld), Ben McDermott (Gold Coast), Michael Neser (Gold Coast), Jimmy Peirson (Redlands), Matthew Renshaw (Toombul), Gurinder Sandhu (South Brisbane), Jack Sinfield (Redlands), Mark Steketee (Valley), Tom Straker (Valley), Mitch Swepson (Sandgate-Redcliffe), Callum Vidler (Valley), Hugh Weibgen (Valley), Tom Whitney (Wests), Jack Wildermuth (Valley). Queensland rookie contracted: Lachy Aitken (Gold Coast), Tom Balkin (Toombul), Jem Ryan (Ipswich). . Originally published as Usman Khawaja to play another season with Queensland Bulls despite clash with Joe Dawes
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Usman Khawaja to play another season with Queensland Bulls despite clash with Joe Dawes
Test opener Usman Khawaja will again play for the Queensland Bulls next season despite his feud with the state's head of elite cricket Joe Dawes. Khawaja was furious with Dawes for suggesting that the veteran batsman had 'no hamstring issues', the reason given for him not playing for the Bulls in their final match of the regular Sheffield Shield season in March against South Australia. 'Joe Dawes came out the other day and said a few inflammatory things, which was really disappointing to me as a player,' Khawaja said in March. 'Joe said the medical staff had no idea (about my hamstring injury). That is 100 per cent wrong.' Despite his anger, Khawaja, 38, will again play for the Bulls as one of three Cricket Australia contracted players – the other two being state captain Marnus Labuschagne and paceman Xavier Bartlett – named in Queensland's 2025-26 squad. The squad also includes emerging pace bowlers Tom Whitney and Tom Straker, who have secured full contracts after being elevated from the rookie list. Dropping out of the squad are left-arm paceman Liam Guthrie, who has linked with English County side Northamptonshire, left-handed batsman Bryce Street and paceman Connor Sully. 'We wish Liam all the best at Northants under (former Bulls coach) Darren Lehmann and will stay close to Bryce and Connor as they tackle new challenges,'' Dawes said. 'The Bulls have plenty of incentives to build on their improvement last season, and we will back the squad to convert that potential into trophies in the coming seasons. 'We're excited about what lies ahead and look forward to improving as individuals and as a squad in the first-class and one-day competitions.' Queensland Bulls 2025-26 squad: Cricket Australia contracted: Xavier Bartlett (Gold Coast), Usman Khawaja (Valley), Marnus Labuschagne (Redlands). Queensland contracted: Max Bryant (Valley), Hugo Burdon (Gold Coast), Jack Clayton (University of Qld), Lachlan Hearne (Toombul), Angus Lovell (University of Qld), Ben McDermott (Gold Coast), Michael Neser (Gold Coast), Jimmy Peirson (Redlands), Matthew Renshaw (Toombul), Gurinder Sandhu (South Brisbane), Jack Sinfield (Redlands), Mark Steketee (Valley), Tom Straker (Valley), Mitch Swepson (Sandgate-Redcliffe), Callum Vidler (Valley), Hugh Weibgen (Valley), Tom Whitney (Wests), Jack Wildermuth (Valley). Queensland rookie contracted: Lachy Aitken (Gold Coast), Tom Balkin (Toombul), Jem Ryan (Ipswich).
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Why cricket star Usman Khawaja is sick of immigrants being blamed for a problem which has infuriated millions of Aussies
Cricket star Usman Khawaja has revealed his frustration at immigrants who move to Australia being blamed for the nation's housing crisis. Khawaja, 38, was born in Pakistan and relocated to Sydney with his family when he was four. Speaking ahead of the federal election next month, the opening batsman acknowledged attitudes towards immigration are improving - but can be better. 'When I hear immigration getting blamed for the housing crisis, which I fundamentally know is not true – housing prices went through the roof when no immigrants were coming through in COVID – it disappoints me because I think Australia was built on the back of immigration,' he told Fairfax. 'Unless you are First Nations or a person of Aboriginal descent, we are all immigrants in one way or another.' Khawaja went onto state his belief that 'Australia's greatest asset is its immigrant community' before pointing to the current hype surrounding track star Gout Gout. The sprinter, 17, was born in Brisbane - but his parents fled South Sudan for a better life on Australian shores. A burning desire for Australia to embrace immigration was one of the chief reasons the cricketer launched the Usman Khawaja Foundation. The Foundation provides grants, assistance and educational support to young people and families from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, rural, remote and low socio-economic backgrounds. Khawaja admitted he was racially targeted as a youngster - and maintains there needs to be more multicultural representation in Australian cricket elite coaching circles. After first being handed his baggy green in 2011, Khawaja is closing in on 6000 runs at Test level, having being an automatic selection in recent years. Last month Khawaja courted controversy after he was accused of ditching the Queensland Bulls to attend the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne instead. Khawaja then launched a passionate defence of his Sheffield Shield absence, taking aim at Queensland's head of cricket, Joe Dawes, for what he called 'categorically untrue' comments. The veteran - who is also a qualified pilot - later featured in the Sheffield Shield final, which was won by South Australia.
