Team effort brings winning upgrade to Moreton Bay sports precinct
Published 11 July 2023
Rugby union and touch football lovers have scored a brand new $6.4 million home in Morayfield thanks to a jointly-funded project involving all three levels of government.
Council has teamed-up with state and federal governments, together with the Caboolture Sports Club, to build a new clubhouse, tiered seating and viewing decks at the Petersen Road Sports Ground. Mayor Peter Flannery said the upgraded facility was a huge win for the nearly 2,000 local players who use the grounds.
“This is the second major project Council has been able to deliver through our partnership with the Caboolture Sports Club to upgrade community sports facilities right across the region,” he said.
“It couldn’t have been possible without the additional support we’ve received from the Federal Government ($1.5 million) and the State Government ($1 million).
“And the outcome is that roughly 2,000 players from the Caboolture Snakes Rugby Union Club and the Caboolture Touch Rugby Association have a brand-new clubhouse and amenities to exercise, have fun and chase their sporting dreams.
“This upgrade also includes equitable access to change facilities to help grow the rugby union and touch football participation numbers and make our region a more inclusive environment for everyone to play sport.”
Terry Young MP, Federal Member for Longman understands the importance of promoting and supporting local grassroots sporting groups, the lifeline of a strong community.
"From players young and old who love the game, to the parents who enjoy cheering their kids on from the sidelines at home games, sport has a way of bringing Australian communities together,” he said.
“I am proud to have secured $1.5 million for this project back in 2021, through the former Coalition Government. I look forward to continuing to fight for federal funding for our local community to help our grassroots clubs grow from strength-to-strength.”
State Member for Morayfield, the Hon. Mark Ryan MP said the Palaszczuk Government’s $1 million investment in the Petersen Road Sports Ground upgrade delivered on an election commitment made to Caboolture Rugby Union and Caboolture Touch.
“On behalf of the Palaszczuk Government, I was the first government representative to sign up to support this project and I’m so excited that we did,” Mr Ryan said. “This is an exceptional example of how partnerships can deliver great outcomes and great facilities for local communities.
“As a long-time local, I’ve got a connection with Caboolture Rugby Union and Caboolture Touch that goes back to before I was first elected in 2009 and I have great memories of playing inter-school sports at these playing fields over 30 years ago.
“I’m proud of the efforts of everyone from Caboolture Rugby Union, Caboolture Touch and the Caboolture Sports Club and I commend everyone for coming together to deliver this project and I’m pleased that I was able to play a part.”
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the upgrade would support more Moreton Bay region women and girls to get on a team.
“Right now, Queensland is witnessing phenomenal growth in the number of females getting involved in sport, including traditionally male dominated codes,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Investing in female-friendly sporting infrastructure such as changerooms is one of the ways the Palaszczuk Government is supporting girls and women on gameday.
“We want see more Queenslanders staying active and healthy as part of a lasting community sport legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
CEO, Caboolture Sports Club Group, Craig Thomas said the Caboolture Sports Club partnership with Council was invaluable to community sport in the region.
"Local rugby and other sports are in good shape thanks to our close partnership with Council.”
“Caboolture Sports Club is working hard in a number of spaces, including building key partnerships like these, to bring quality modern facilities to the community of Caboolture and surrounds,” he said.
Caboolture Rugby Union Club General Manager, John Flew said grass-roots sports was the real winner in the multi-agency collaboration.
"Our club is thrilled to have access to such great facilities thanks to this upgrade,” he said.
“Local sports build invaluable connections and bring unparalleled health and wellbeing benefits to our community, and having such wonderful facilities to offer those thinking of taking part is a great step toward healthier, more active communities.”
“Our thanks go out to Moreton Bay Regional Council, the State and Federal Governments, and Caboolture Sports Club for their contributions to the project.”
AustralianGovernment funding of $1,500,000 million was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.