Kick-off for new $22m sports complex

The ribbon has officially been cut on Moreton Bay’s new $22 million football fields and clubhouses at South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale.

Work is finishing on the complex which will be home to Moreton City Excelsior (MCE) – a new club following the merger of Albany Creek Excelsior (ACE) and Moreton Bay United last year - and Brisbane Roar.

Moreton Bay City Council, which built the complex, says the Women’s Football Centre of Excellence will have some of the best dedicated women’s facilities in the country and be used by Roar’s women’s team.

MCE and Roar will each have a new clubhouse and each get two of the four new fields.

“I would like to thank the council management which has been integral in overseeing the project to its final stages,” MCE President Tony Dooley said.

“It is providing a wonderful opportunity for our junior girls and boys teams to witness first-hand what it takes to become aspiring full time football players.

“This brilliant facility is another step in the right direction in providing the best possible opportunity for players in our community to reach their full potential.

“We will continue to collaborate with Moreton Bay City Council and Brisbane Roar to ensure the development opportunities for our girls and boys are maximised in future years.

“We will also continue to offer the ability for social players to represent our club as we will always remain invested in the community aspect of football.”

Mayor Peter Flannery, who cut the ceremonial ribbon on Saturday, said: “Council handed the keys over early after the clubhouse portion was completed late last year.

“The Matildas took the game to new heights in Australia last year with their heroic efforts at the FIFA World Cup and we hope this facility will continue that journey in Moreton Bay.

“It will go a long way to helping the City of Moreton Bay address our goal to grow participation in women’s sport locally.”

The mayor thanked the Federal Government for its $350,000 contribution to support the relocation of services during construction.

The Federal contribution was funded under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which helps deliver local road and community infrastructure projects.

“These upgraded facilities will be a great training ground for up-and-coming football stars of the future,” Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said.