Community sports clubs on southern Redlands Coast have received a major boost, with works wrapping up recently on a major upgrade to the popular Charlie Buckler Memorial Sporting Fields in Redland Bay.
Redland City Mayor, Jos Mitchell said the improvements included a new clubhouse, field realignment and improved drainage, new practice cricket nets, additional car parking, and a range of other facilities such as better-connected footpaths and a new dog off-leash area.
The $6.5 million project was jointly funded with a $500,000 contribution from the Australian Government through the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Female Facilities and Water Safety Stream Program, $4.5 million from the Queensland Government through the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, and $1.5 million from Redland City Council.
“The upgrades will benefit the three tenant clubs – Redland Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club, Redlands Sharks Cricket Club and Redland Bay Tennis Club – as well as the wider Redlands Coast community,” the Mayor said.
“This project is another example of the wonderful outcomes that can be achieved for the community when Council works closely with its federal and state counterparts.
“One of the key upgrades delivered to the site is a new multi-use clubhouse fitted out with modern amenities such as new changing and referees rooms, canteen and maintenance shed for the groundskeeper.
“It has been designed to meet the needs of the rugby union and cricket clubs and contains a multi-purpose space that can be booked by community groups.
“The field has been reconfigured as part of the works to cater for the new orientation of the clubhouse and to improve drainage, reducing the risk of match washouts or delays.”
The Mayor said players would see significant improvements to their gameday experience, with the upgrades heralding the start of a new era for the tenant clubs.
“We are excited to be opening this new clubhouse on the eve of the summer cricket season, with Redlands Sharks due to start using the facility within days,” she said.
“The previous clubhouse was more than 40-years old and was no longer meeting requirements, so an upgrade was much needed and will provide a significant uplift for both local and visiting players.
“The community is also set to benefit, with site improvements including a larger dog off leash area, improved pathway connections, landscaped gardens, new seating, and an upgrade to the site entry on Boundary Street providing safer access.
“An additional 81 car parks have also been delivered on site for the community, bringing the total number of spaces to 147 and helping to mitigate parking congestion during big events.
“I’ve had the pleasure of inspecting the new clubhouse and other amenities on a few occasions both during the construction phase and since completion and have been very happy with this outcome for the community.”
Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the upgrades were another example of Council’s commitment to supporting and delivering high-value intergenerational projects.
“This project is a wonderful example of all three levels of government working together with the local community to create an extraordinary outcome that will be enjoyed by many generations of Redlanders,” Cr Talty said.
“We know our city is growing and that investing in facilities such as these is crucial to ensuring everyone has a place to play sport, whether that be competitively or recreationally.
“Countless players will benefit from these upgrades over the coming years, and it is our hope that by providing better and more modern facilities on Redlands Coast, we will help more people participate in sport.
“I once again thank the tenant clubs for their involvement in the project design process, as this was a crucial step in ensuring the facilities were built to suit the needs of players and the community.
“I can’t wait to see families enjoying the upgraded venue and am pleased we have been able to open the site’s new community facilities just in time for the school holidays and the onset of warmer weather.”
