Sports infrastructure kick-starting region’s COVID-19 recovery

As we search for ways to stay active while sporting fixtures are suspended or cancelled, Moreton Bay Regional Council is advancing works on a multi-million dollar sports precinct masterplan that will support the entire region once it’s safe to play again.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery says the $185 million South Pine Sports Complex (SPSC) at Brendale will be home to at least 15 different sports once complete.

“Construction has to be a major part of our economic recovery if we’re going to keep tradies on the tools, and that’s something council can drive,” Mayor Flannery says.

“It’s how we can create jobs and inject millions of dollars into our local economy over a sustained period. It’s also an investment in the health and wellbeing of locals, to give residents new facilities to look forward to on the other side of COVID-19 and ensure a strong future for local sport.”

What’s happening?

“Last month, we started $15 million worth of upgrades on the SPSC rugby union, touch football and indoor centre precincts. And in the months to come we’ll start detailed planning for future sports fields at this precinct,” Cr Flannery explains.

He says Brendale’s proximity to Brisbane city and the airport, could make it the perfect place for athletes and teams to be based if a South East Queensland 2032 Olympic Games bid is successful.

“We know that every night a sports tourist visitor stays in our region, they spend $279 per person per day. So, we’re also strategising how to secure more inter-state, national and international competitions here.”

Division 9 Councillor Cath Tonks says she’s keen to see SPSC evolve.

“I know that there’s $135 million worth of works planned for this site in years to come,” she says.

“So, we’ll be engaging with residents and local clubs about what they think can be achieved. I’ll certainly be encouraging locals to think big. It will be great to see this area become a hub of sports excellence for all of South East Queensland

“This is just the beginning of what council is working on to make sure the future of Moreton Bay is bright on the other side of this pandemic. Stay fit, stay healthy and stay #MoretonBayTough while in isolation because there will be a great variety of sporting facilities ready for use when this is all over.”

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