Work to start on Griffin Sports Complex

It’s the sporting facility Griffin locals have long been waiting for, and by 2022 it will be the Moreton Bay Region’s newest rugby league complex.

Moreton Bay Regional Council awarded the initial $10.4 million contract to start stage 1 of the $13.85 million Griffin Sports Complex on August 19, and work is expected to start next month.

“Years of planning have gone into this major build in consultation with the community and the Kabi Kabi traditional custodians,” Mayor Peter Flannery says.

“Best of all, thanks to the incredibly competitive tenders we’ve received the project has come in $2 million under budget.

The project has been redesigned to be primarily focused on rugby league, with stage one of works to include two full-size fields and one half-size field, clubhouse and amenities, field lighting and irrigation, a new access road off Henry Rd, as well as 154 new carparking spaces across two carparks.

Environmental focus

“And that’s just the beginning, the total project site is a massive 90ha and stage two of works will also include habitat restoration and regeneration of unused flood immune land.

“Restoring this area to its natural values will be informed by the Kabi Kabi traditional custodians who have helped develop and plan the site in a way that is both culturally-sensitive and respectful to the land.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that locals want greater environmental protections in the face of a growing population, so I want to assure residents that this will be front-of-mind through all the future planning and development of this site.”

It’s not just about rugby league

“Even if you’re not a rugby league fan you’ll still love the Griffin Sports Complex, because we’ll be constructing walking trails and other recreation facilities around the precinct,” Mayor Flannery says.

Councillor Jodie Shipway (Div 4) says construction will start in September and finish by February 2022, depending on weather conditions.

“I’ve already got a bottle of champagne in the fridge ready to celebrate in February 2022,” Cr Shipway says.

“I think these fields will become hallowed grounds for the mighty Kangaroos Rugby League Club, and I can’t wait for all the action - players and spectators converging on Griffin to enjoy this great game.

Investing in the future

“This investment in local sport will pay its own dividends to our region. When fully developed, the $13.85 million Griffin Sports Complex will attract national and state-level competitions, which will provide positive flow-on effects to our local economy. Especially if it’s a multiday carnival when people play, spend and stay in our region.”

Cr Shipway says the complex is a major investment in driving a post-coronavirus recovery, supporting jobs locally, restoring the environment for native wildlife and giving the Kangaroos Rugby League Club an opportunity to grow.

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