Work on a new year-round ski jump facility for freestyle skiing and boarding is reported to be due to start imminently in Australia.

The $6.5m project is being funded by the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, state and federal governments and the Australian Olympic Committee.

The project was first mooted about a decade ago and nearly went ahead in 2017 but a change in government meant funding previously in place was lot and the chosen site was also unpopular with local residents. This time however the funding is reported to be all locked in and the site, in the city of Brisbane, secured.

The complex, which will become one of only two in the world according to its backers, will feature a variety of dry slope ramps with skiers and boarders practicing tricks then landing in water.

It is expected to act both as a national training venue for aspiring Australian elite freestyle snow sports athletes and also to attract similar skiers and boarders from around the world.

Work on the facility is expected to begin in May with the centre due to open early next year.