World-class winter training facility opens in Brisbane

The Morrison Government has welcomed the opening of a world-class winter training facility in Brisbane.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre  – the Southern Hemisphere’s only all-year outdoor water ski ramp – would elevate the aspirations of athletes for generations to come.
The Commonwealth Government contributed $5.3 million towards construction of the $6.5 million facility, a collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.
“The Morrison Government is right behind the bid to bring the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to Brisbane, but right now we’re delivering a world-class facility to our Aussie Winter Olympians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australia has long enjoyed success in aerial ski disciplines, from Alisa Camplin’s historic Olympic gold medal in 2002, through to the success this year of aerial ski world champion Laura Peel and Crystal Globe winner Matt Graham, in the moguls.
“This facility will give our athletes a world-leading advantage, allowing them to train safely and comfortably in our own backyard.
“It delivers state-of-the-art facilities right now for our current winter Olympians getting ready for the Beijing Games, 2022.”
The facility boasts varying levels of difficulty making it a fitting training venue for athletes eager to hone their skills and one day represent Australia on the world stage.
Athletes can reach speeds of more than 70km/h and launch up to 17m above the water from the top of the 37metre ramp.
It allows trainees to test and perfect manoeuvres safely before transitioning to snow.
“We expect the 37m-high water jump will also become a beacon for international athletes who seek to come to Australia, hire these facilities and push our athletes to become the very best they can be,” Minister Colbeck said.
The facility is named in honour the life-long contribution Geoff Henke AO has made to Australian Winter Olympic sport.
“The idea for this facility has been more than a decade in the making, so the Morrison Government is proud to have been able to deliver it for Australia’s sporting community.”