The Brisbane Strikers Football Club, based at Bowen Hills’ Perry Park, say that any future development of the grounds should be in line with Clem Jones’ legacy.
Strikers Chair Paolo Ucchino said: “The Clem Jones legacy should not be forgotten. It serves as a cultural landmark on philanthropy and if you remove this, then what incentive do you bring to other philanthropic efforts?”
The 5,000-seat Perry Park is owned by Brisbane City Council, who lease it to YMCA, who sublease the soccer facilities to Brisbane Strikers FC.
Dr Clem Jones acquired the land for soccer in 1967 while in office as Lord Mayor and Chaired the Strikers club.
The Clem Jones Foundation established the lease agreement with the YMCA and the Strikers, which continues today.
CEO of the Clem Jones Group, Peter Johnstone said: “During his time in City Hall, Clem ensured as many residents as possible and as many sporting clubs and codes as possible had access to good quality grounds or other facilities.”
“He was always eager to support youth development sporting programs – especially in team sports such as soccer through the Brisbane Strikers – because he believed they provided a focus for young people who could learn not just physical skills but also valuable life lessons by working in a team.”
YMCA Queensland Chief Operations Officer Will Sambrook said: “Clem Jones was instrumental in founding the dedicated soccer facility. He was a big supporter of both the YMCA and community soccer, and we need to continue in his legacy.
“We need to make sure Perry Park is available for all people to access, to provide people with an opportunity to play sport, be healthy and connect with their community.”
Mr Ucchino said: “The Strikers’ mid to long-term vision [for Perry Park] is a self-funding model that will follow a consultation process with all stakeholders to provide a far smaller boutique stadium [than Football Queensland’s vision].
The benefit of a smaller stadium is to ensure immediate community stakeholders have access to open green space.”
According to a Brisbane Times article, Football Queensland has a vision for a 15,000-20,000 seat boutique stadium.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has indicated a future interest in this project but said that Council currently has other priorities.
Cr Schrinner said: “While we support Brisbane having a high-quality boutique rectangular stadium in the long term, right now we are focused on keeping costs down, building better transport and investing in our suburbs.”
Member for McConnel Grace Grace said: “One of the best things about Perry Park is its strong connection to the local community.”
“Sporting facility upgrades should always seek to maintain existing green space where possible and strengthen their connection with the local community.”
Football Queensland has declined to comment.
