The Rockhampton region is currently seeing one of its most exciting sporting transformations, and SPORTENG is proud to be leading the detailed design and delivery of the new Rockhampton Sports Precinct (RSP). Appointed by Rockhampton Regional Council as Principal Consultant for the project, SPORTENG is providing end-to-end engineering consultancy services for what will become one of Central Queensland’s premier community and event spaces.

Located on the eastern side of CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North campus along Norman Road, the 26-hectare site is being developed into a modern, flood-free sports precinct designed to support local clubs, community sport, and future elite-level events.

Aerial view of the site where the future Sports Precinct will be developed. 

Designing a Regional Sporting Hub

As the Principal Consultant, SPORTENG is leading, coordinating, and producing the detailed design for every component of the precinct. This includes the entire built environment and civil realm, spanning car parks, internal roads, buildings, pavilions, and all sporting infrastructure, such as the athletics track and natural turf fields. Every element is planned and designed to work cohesively, supporting functionality, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

Our team is delivering a comprehensive suite of engineering services across several key areas:

• Athletics and natural turf design,
• Civil and drainage design for car parks, internal roads, footpaths, and site services,
• Hard court and surface systems, including acrylic, clay, asphalt, concrete, and rubber,
• Irrigation design and geotechnical investigations to ensure durability, performance, and whole-of-life efficiency.

This holistic scope also covers all auxiliary and structural infrastructure, including lighting systems, detailed building and pavilion designs, building pads, retaining structures, and utilities integration. All components are brought together within a unified, fully coordinated design model led by SPORTENG's multi-disciplinary team.

Supported by the Queensland Government

The Rockhampton Sports Precinct is supported by the Queensland Government’s "Games On!" infrastructure program, which has committed $47 million towards Stage 1 of the project. This funding is driving the delivery of high-quality, future-proof facilities that will serve Rockhampton’s growing population and sporting community.

Stage 1 includes 16 outdoor hard courts, a new clubhouse and amenities, a community recreation precinct, a new access road, parking and civil infrastructure, establishing a new home for netball in the region and creating a foundation for future multi-sport expansion.

The precinct is designed to enhance community participation in sport, encourage active lifestyles, and position Central Queensland to host major competitions and events well beyond Brisbane 2032.

Engineering for the Future

For SPORTENG, this project is an opportunity to apply our specialist expertise in sports infrastructure, civil engineering, and irrigation design to deliver a long-term asset for the region.

Working closely with Rockhampton Regional Council and the Project Control Group, our team is ensuring that the design and engineering reflect the unique climate, soil and community needs of Central Queensland.

"We're creating facilities that can nurture athletes from grassroots right through to the elite level. When young athletes in Central Queensland train on world-class surfaces and in purpose-built facilities, you create an environment where future Olympic and Paralympic potential can flourish,” said SPORTENG Project Manager Mardi Cuthbert.

"Beyond netball, this precinct positions Rockhampton as a genuine talent pathway for the 2032 Brisbane Games."

State Government funding requires completion of this priority package by the end of 2027, with construction-ready documentation targeted for March 2026.

A Collaboration for Community

The Rockhampton Sports Precinct is governed by a Project Control Group comprising representatives from:

• Rockhampton Regional Council: Project client and stakeholder

• Central Queensland University: Site partner providing land and connection to the education and sports science community

• Department of Tourism and Sport: State Government partner providing funding support and strategic guidance

• Economic Development Queensland: Approval authority for development

• MODE Design Group: Architecture, landscape architecture, CPTED, and wayfinding design
• HK Solutions (HKS): Hydraulic, electrical, structural, mechanical engineering, and building services
• RPS Group: Quantity surveyor services
• Bitzios Consulting: Traffic engineering and transport planning
• CMW GeoSciences: Geotechnical investigations and preliminary site investigations
• Cumulus Engineering: Flood modelling and assessment
• Dryside Engineering: Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and wetland/detention design
• Place Design Group: Town planning services
• Wolter Consulting Group: Stakeholder engagement and environmental reporting
• Surfcoast Survey: Feature and level surveys, service location
• McKenzie Group: Building certifier and accessibility consulting

Together, the project team is committed to ensuring the precinct meets the needs of local residents, sporting organisations and regional athletes while maximising environmental performance and social benefit.

This partnership-driven approach has focused on delivering:

• Facilities that promote participation, encouraging greater involvement in sport and recreation across all ages and abilities,
• Economic and social benefits, stimulating local industry, employment, and tourism through construction and future event hosting,
• Sustainable, durable infrastructure, designed to withstand Queensland’s challenging conditions and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Together, the project team is helping to shape a legacy precinct that will foster community connection, athletic development and local pride for decades to come.

As Mardi explains, "Netball is incredibly popular in Rockhampton, and the community has been crying out for facilities that match that passion. What we're designing here will meet today’s needs, and also create a regional facility that can cater to the growth of the sport well into the future. These 16 outdoor courts with a dedicated clubhouse will become the home of netball in Central Queensland, providing a venue that local clubs deserve and that can host major regional competitions."

Project Manager Mardi Cuthbert showcasing progress and gathering community feedback during one of the workshops led with the Rockhampton community. 

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Whether it’s a regional sports hub, community recreation facility, or elite performance venue, SPORTENG’s team of sports infrastructure specialists can help design and deliver it from the ground up.

Contact us today to discuss your next project.