Work starts on new $17.5m PCYC

Pictured above: From left - Sergeant Mark Haestier, Mayor Peter Flannery, CEO of PCYC Queensland Phil Schultz, Federal Minister Kristy McBain, State Minister Mark Ryan

Construction of a new $17.5 million Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Caboolture is officially underway.

Federal and State ministers joined Mayor Peter Flannery, local police and PCYC officials to turn the first sod on the vacant block beside the police station in King Street.

The Federal Government is contributing $10 million, State Government $5 million and Moreton Bay City Council $2.5 million for the purpose-built centre.

It will replace the existing PCYC Caboolture, built in the early 1980s in Toovey St, as a safe space to connect youth, at-risk or disadvantaged, with local police in a positive environment.

The new PCYC will have community activities, events, group fitness and gym classes, gymnastic events, basketball and boxing.

It will increase access to programs designed to strengthen individual and group problem solving, community cohesion and social connection.

Around 103 direct jobs will be created during construction, which is expected to finish in mid-2025, with 11 ongoing jobs to be supported.

“This new facility will give PCYC Queensland the opportunity to deliver more programs that build safer, healthier communities through youth development in the City of Moreton Bay,” Queensland PCYC CEO Phil Schultz said.

“Working in partnership with Queensland Police Service, we provide a place where young people won't be judged and aim to empower them by improving their physical health and wellbeing, emotional resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, using sports, peer activities and mentoring to achieve this.

"The ripple effect is we can inspire them to make positive life choices and change lives.”

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Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said: “I look forward to seeing this vital community project take shape and support a real jobs and economic boost for the Moreton Bay region,”

Federal Regional Development and Local Government Minister Kristy McBain added the new PCYC would have a “huge impact across the Moreton Bay region”.

Queensland Police and Community Safety Minister, and State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan said the new hub will have multi-purpose spaces for sport, recreation and community activities, a purpose-built gymnastics facility, 24/7 community gym, outdoor basketball court and lots of car parking,” he said.

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “I’m proud that Council was able to work with all levels of government and QPCYC to move on this and give the youth of Caboolture this much-needed upgrade.”