New PCYC Caboolture gets $5m funding boost

Pictured from left - Federal Member for Longman Terry Young, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Mayor Peter Flannery and PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mitch Ryder at today's funding announcement in Caboolture.

Plans have been revealed to build and open a new PCYC in Caboolture in less than two years.

The Federal Government today announced it is giving $5 million for the project, matching the State Government’s contribution. Moreton Bay Region Council is providing $2.5 million.

It will be on a vacant block in King St, beside the new Caboolture Police Station, replacing the current PCYC, built in the early 80s, in Toovey St.

The new location is more central and accessible, will improve the organisation’s service delivery, create 83 jobs in construction and nine when finished.

Time line

PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mitch Ryder hoped the new PCYC Caboolture would be operating by December 2023.

PCYC Caboolture has more than 1000 members and families through activities such as gymnastics, boxing, martial arts and youth development programs.

“I would like to thank Terry Young, Federal Member for Longman, for his additional support for this project and also our Queensland Government and Morton Bay Regional Council who have come together to support the Caboolture community,” Mr Ryder said.

“Having a facility here with everything from after school care to sports, gymnastics allows us to grow our membership and reach more kids.”

Fantastic news

Mr Ryder said gymnastics and boxing would be big parts of the new PCYC with outside school hours care, community space, martials arts and possibly a kindergarten.

“This is fantastic news for locals,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said, thanking those who signed his petition for the funding.

“The current PCYC building is no longer fit for purpose, it is more than 30 years old and has become too small for its growing membership.

Vital funding

“When the new PCYC is constructed, I have no doubt that it will become an incredibly important facility for our community.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “It’s vital funding that will help get this project kick-started as soon as possible.

“Council has already commenced planning and design on the new building so it’s fantastic to have all three levels of government now involved and working on this project.”

Important clubs

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce was in Caboolture for the funding announcement.

“This is going to be so good for this part of Caboolture. PCYC facilities are a staple in towns all over Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“These important community clubs provide youth and community programs, services and facilities to improve the lives of individuals and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.”