Saddling up for the future: QSEC design upgrades underway

Published 11 June 2025

City of Moreton Bay is progressing plans to elevate the Queensland State Equestrian Centre (QSEC) to new heights, with detailed design works now underway to explore potential upgrades.

The comprehensive design process will guide Council on infrastructure needed to enhance QSEC to international standards, improving its capacity to host major equestrian events across local, state, national and international levels.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the planned upgrades could be a game-changer for the city’s equestrian community and tourism economy.

“We’re proud to be home to Queensland’s state equestrian centre, and we’re planning ahead to ensure QSEC continues to deliver world-class experiences,” Mayor Flannery said.

“This process will help shape what an international-standard QSEC could look like and will be a crucial step before any decisions are made for future investment.

“To ensure the best possible outcome, we have also established a panel of equestrian industry experts to advise throughout the design process.

“QSEC already attracts significant events to City of Moreton Bay, and these potential upgrades could take that economic impact to the next level, especially in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Key features being explored in the design phase include:

• 80 new permanent stables to increase the venue’s capacity to 238 stables
• International standard sport-specific synthetic surface for equestrian athletes to compete and train.  The planned arena is large enough to encompass four full size dressage arenas and a warmup zone or be aligned to suit two large show jumping rings and warm up zone.
• 94 new onsite powered camp sites.

Councillor Adam Hain (Division 3) said this is an exciting step forward for the growing equestrian community.

“Equestrian sport has very specific requirements, and we want to make sure we’re meeting the needs of those who use QSEC today and into the future,” Cr Hain said.

“This exciting upgrade will open the doors for QSEC to host top-tier events like World Cup Jumping, FEI international competitions, and Para Equestrian events, maybe even the Olympic and World Equestrian Games qualifiers.”

The detailed design is expected to be finalised in 2026. Outcomes from the design process will inform the scope of a future upgrade, subject to Council budget and priorities.

Media contact: news@moretonbay.qld.gov.au or 3480 6282