‘BRINGING US TOGETHER’: $2.7M BOOST FOR VITAL CLUBS

A multimillion-dollar upgrade for a hinterland facility is scoring big points with local sporting clubs described as “vital to the social fabric of our communities’’.

Palmwoods Warriors Football Club’s headquarters have received a major makeover improving access for all abilities while the adjacent Graeme Rae Oval received new LED lighting to support cricket and AFL sports.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the improvements were made possible thanks to funding from all three tiers of government.

“More than a million dollars has been injected into improving the Warriors Football Club and LED lighting to the oval; vital infrastructure to ensure that clubs can keep pace with the growing popularity of their sports,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Sporting clubs like the Warriors Football Club, Hinterland Blues AFL Club and Palmwoods Cricket Club are vital to the social fabric of our communities.

“They collectively play an important role in enabling our youth to get active and bring our communities together.”

Sunshine Coast Council Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said providing compliant and accessible infrastructure were key principles valued at council and in our community.

“This modern, inclusive clubhouse includes refurbished change areas, canteen, meeting room and office, storage area and new public amenities,” Cr Johnston.

“The extensive undercover viewing area is sure to be a crowd pleaser and will provide a massive boost to the sporting clubs for the season.

“Overall, it’s a home run for the Palmwoods sports precinct, with a total of $2.7 million injected since 2021 when the Hinterland AFL and Palmwoods cricket clubhouse received a $1.6 million upgrade which included $500,000 from the Queensland Government’s COVID Works for Queensland program.

The $560,000 Palmwoods Warriors Football Club project was jointly funded through the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program in association with Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association.

Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the Palaszczuk Government was investing in the Sunshine Coast’s world-class lifestyle.

“We live in one of the best places in Queensland, and the Palaszczuk Government is investing to make it even better,” Mr Skelton said.

“We have a great community here and it’ll be made even better with the upgrades to the Palmwoods Warrior’s club, we’re hoping to see more local kids develop a love of sport right here.

“As we approach the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games it’s an exciting time for our kids to get involved in local sports, and hopefully some of them will bring home gold in nine years’ time.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s South East Queensland Stimulus Program has delivered $9 million to help deliver 16 community projects and create 95 good, local jobs.”

New lights were also installed to support cricket and AFL games played on the Graeme Rae Oval.

The new 300 lux LED lights over the wicket box and 200 lux outer field lighting will greatly improve competition and training opportunities.

The $519,000 Palmwoods Cricket/AFL LED lighting project was jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program in association with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

The works were delivered by Sunshine Coast Regional Council through Boydbuilt Constructions who employed 70 local tradies throughout the construction works.

Project Details:
• Improved access
• Improved canteen facilities
• Replacement of all doors & ceilings
• Select cladding and wall surfaces to areas
• Outdoor decking and storage area
• New fittings and fixtures
• Efficient internal lighting
• Mechanical ventilation & air conditioning
• Landscaping of external area bank
• Upgrade of sewer
• Replacement of benches & cupboards
• More efficient storage
• Solar panels & power to the garden shed
• LED lighting
• Improve structural integrity
• Extended the life of the assets.