School oval upgrade a game-changer for community

A million-dollar redevelopment of an oval and facilities at North Lakes State College is proving a game-changer for two local football clubs and the wider community.

Officially opening the upgraded oval and new changerooms, Bancroft MP Chris Whiting says it is fitting the State Government-funded facility will also be shared by community sporting organisations.

“We know some of Queensland’s best sport and recreation infrastructure is behind school gates,” Mr Whiting says.

“In a fast-growing area with young families like North Lakes, it makes sense to share new, first-class school sport facilities with the wider community.

Clubs on board

“North Lakes Mustangs FC and The Lakes FC already have boots on the ground and are making use of the College’s newly turfed main oval, changerooms, amenities, kiosk, and 100 lux field lighting.”

Mr Whiting says the 10 year community use agreement with the two clubs effectively adds North Lakes State College’s main playing field to the Kinsellas Road sporting precinct.

“It’s an initiative that delivers new facilities for students, including the College’s signature rugby program, and confirms North Lakes as the Moreton Bay Region’s centre for community sport.”

The North Lakes State College P and C invested $70,000 in the upgrade.

Leading the way

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says North Lakes State College is one of six schools piloting the government’s Active Community Infrastructure Program.

“This program specialises in building great sport and recreation infrastructure on school land for the benefit of students, as well as local not-for-profit sporting clubs,” Mr Hinchliffe says.

Education Minister Grace Grace says the program brings schools and community sport together.

“Schools and not-for-profit sport and active recreation clubs are the backbone of communities,” Ms Grace says.

“Getting involved in sport helps young Queenslanders develop important life skills such as teamwork and resilience.”

North Lakes State College Executive Principal Katrina Larsen says the improved facilities will allow the school to build stronger ties with the community.

“Sport enables us to develop a greater sense of belonging and connection to our community by building strong bonds and creating a safer, healthier and happier environment,” Ms Larsen says.

“The sporting groups who will initially use the facility are The Lakes and Mustangs Football clubs, but we look forward to the potential for more sporting organisations to be involved.

“By incorporating the upgrading of the lighting of the oval in the project, it extends the hours that the facility can be used by the community.”

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