Caboolture Sports Club has kicked a goal that will change the future of sports in the Moreton Bay Region.
Council signed off on a landmark agreement with the CSC Group worth at least $4.3 million over the next five years.
A spokesperson for Economic Development Cr Peter Flannery said the arrangement meant Council will contribute $500,000 each year over the next five years ($2.5 million in total), with the CSC Group supporting that investment with a minimum $360,000 each year ($1.8 million in total).
“This is nothing short of a monumental day, as Council works in partnership with this outstanding local organisation to ensure the region has some of the best sporting facilities in South-East Queensland,” Cr Flannery said.
“This rolling $4.3 million fund will provide for the future construction of new sports facilities and infrastructure upgrades right around Moreton Bay, which is a massive investment in the health and livability of our region.”
Cr Adam Hain (Div 3) said Caboolture Sports Club is a key economic and social contributor to our region.
“From hosting major sporting events that attract thousands of tourists, to providing pathways for our grassroot level sports, there’s nothing this powerhouse club can’t do,” Cr Hain said.
“This infrastructure agreement will change sports club management as we know it in the Moreton Bay Region to give us the best chance of securing State and National sporting competitions here.
“I believe Moreton Bay Region can become Queensland’s leading sports destination.
“This first stage of investment into the Caboolture Cricket Club will hit the opposition for six!”
CSC Group holds 10 leases and 22 sports field permits across nine Council sports venues region-wide; it also contributes $1.9 million for local sports groups and individuals.
CSC Group CEO Kelvin Patch said the funding will provide much-needed infrastructure improvements to the Club’s sporting fields and clubhouses.
“Infrastructure enhancements will provide superior facilities and enable the hosting of higher competition levels, that will provide pathways for junior sport up to elite competitions and events,” he said.
“I would like to thank Council for supporting this initiative, this agreement shows how a community organisation and local council can create value and a common cause, in this instance the improvement of infrastructure for the provision of sporting clubs in our region.
“Grant Road Sports Complex is a great example of how the agreement will work, we have been able to generate funding from five separate sources including Federal and State government, Queensland Cricket, and from the agreement with the Club and Council.
“The flagship is the construction of an indoor cricket development centre that houses five practice nets and new change room amenities for men’s and women’s cricket teams.
“Additionally, further cricket infrastructure is planned and underway with installation of a picket fence, widening the cricket wickets to accommodate six turf wickets on the main oval and construction of new sightscreens.
“With these improvements, the cricket club can host District competitions, and there are already a number of Regional Cricket Carnivals booked for later in the year.”