$1.6 million flood recovery restoration for Albert Park Grandstand

Published on 07 August 2026

7 August 2026

$1.6 million flood recovery restoration for Albert Park Grandstand

Gympie locals have another reason to head out and cheer on their favourite sports teams, with a $1.6 million restoration of the Albert Park grandstand now opened to the public.

The works included essential structural upgrades, replacement to transform the canteen into a meeting space, flood damage repairs, and upgrades to pathways, flooring, amenities, air conditioning and the grandstand's timber seating, balustrading and flooring.

The completion of the project marks an important milestone in Gympie’s ongoing program to restore flood-damaged assets and would allow the heritage-listed facility to give spectators a bird's eye view of local sports, community activities and events for years to come.

Funded by Gympie Regional Council, which received additional support from the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the $1.6 million restoration project delivered repairs and upgrades to improve the facility’s condition, functionality and long-term use.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor, Glen Hartwig, said Albert Park Grandstand had played an important role in Gympie’s sporting history, and the renewal project reflected not only Council’s commitment to investing in local sporting infrastructure but also the regions sporting heritage.

“Like many ageing community assets, the grandstand required significant restoration to address the impacts of time, weather and the damage caused by the 2022 floods,” Mayor Hartwig said.

"So it is fantastic that this project is now completed and that we got to celebrate with the Queensland Rugby League Country Round, held at Albert Park.

“It was a great way to reopen the grandstand and welcome the community back to the facility. Having the stands filled with spectators cheering and again enjoying the grandstand is why this restoration was so important."

Gympie Sports and Recreation Association President Bernadette O’Neil said the return of the grandstand was an important outcome for local clubs, players and spectators.

"The reopening of the Albert Park Grandstand, often considered to have the best view of sporting fields in country Queensland, is a great relief for the members of the Gympie Sports and Recreation Association and the many sporting clubs and schools that use this venue," Ms O'Neil said.

"Generations of people have climbed these stairs to watch sporting events and community gatherings. Now, thanks this restoration, generations to come will also enjoy this remarkable building."

Ms O'Neil acknowledged the support of the Australian and Queensland Governments and Gympie Regional Council throughout the recovery.

"Following the 2022 flood, we began a long journey working with Council to restore this important facility. We sincerely thank the many Council staff, past and present, who contributed to bringing the grandstand back to life.

"Our sporting clubs and schools made many sacrifices during this period, with carnivals and competitions relocated to other centres across the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast. We thank them for their patience and understanding throughout the restoration."

Albert Park is set to see council invest a further $210,000 into the sporting facility, with a spectator seating renewal program through Council's Capital Works Delivery program set for delivery for the 26/27FY.

For more information on the project visit, Albert Park Grandstand Restoration Project | Gympie Regional Council

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