Plans to create a major sport and events precinct for the Sunshine Coast are moving full steam ahead after it was unanimously endorsed by council.

Details on the construction timeline have been revealed after all councillors on Thursday voted in favour of the Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct at Meridan Plains.

The sporting hub includes 10 fields and ovals, nature trails and dog-friendly facilities, active youth and play spaces, wetland experiences and community events.

Work is already underway on bulk earthworks, drainage and access for stage one. Construction will start next year on part of the District Recreation Park: Wetlands, turf and field lighting, fields and ovals.

The $20 million stage 1 is expected to be completed in 2024 before detailed designs begin on stage 2.

Divisional Councillor Peter Cox said the master plan provided a vision to create a sport and recreation precinct that promoted a healthy, smart and creative community.

“This is a significant multi-use sport and recreation precinct which will provide a wealth of benefits for the entire Sunshine Coast community to be involved in active sports, outdoor recreation and a range of events,” Cr Cox said.

“I’m pleased to see council unanimously endorsed the master plan which provides for a highly functional, 75 hectare regional sports facility, a unique district recreation park for all ages and abilities and embraces best-practice for climate-responsive design to take advantage of our subtropical climate and lifestyle.

“This precinct will become a place for everyone to enjoy as it’s been shaped by our community, for our community.

“Last year between 24 June and 24 July, we asked residents to tell us their thoughts on the master plan. This feedback found that 84 per cent of respondents supported the draft plan and in response to feedback, the draft plan was refined to meet the needs of the community.

“Most of the feedback found sporting fields and courts were the most important feature of the plan, closely followed by the youth activity node and criterium cycling course.

“We also received feedback to consider the land for a range of non-sporting events. So council looked into this through an event assessment process, which determined the site has a potential capacity to hold up to 30,000 patrons – a fantastic result to increase tourism and community events in the area.”

Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct is one of many major infrastructure projects council is delivering in line with the Environment and Liveability Strategy, which provides long-term direction to guide growth and shape the region’s future.

The facility’s development on Honey Farm Road will be staged in line with council’s 10-Year Capital Works Program along with external funding opportunities sought from the State and Federal Governments.

Council has previously approved budget allocation of $3.75 million in the 2020/21 financial year to start early works for this project. Initial earthworks, access roads and service connections are well-underway.

Stage 1 Sport and Recreation works are expected to continue until 2024 and are estimated to cost about $20 million, funded through council’s annual capital works program. Future stages will be delivered as funding becomes available.

Honey Farm Sport Precinct timeline:

• 2021/22 – Bulk earthworks, drainage and access

• 2022/23 Stage 1 Construction of part of the District Recreation Park: Wetlands construction, turf and field lighting, fields and ovals

• 2023/24 – Construction of shared clubhouse, asphalt of roads and car parks to support sports precinct and recreation park

• 2024/25 – Detailed design and approvals for Stage 2

• 2025 onwards – Stage 2 construction of youth plaza, events/open space, criterium track, recreation and fitness trails, indoor sport centre, hard court precinct and dog park.

FAST FACTS:

• The facility will encourage the community to be involved in active sports, outdoor recreation, healthy living and community events

• The 75-hectare site was purchased in 2011 to provide long term sport and recreation facilities in the southern end of our region

• The site is located north of Caloundra Road opposite the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. It has frontages to Honey Farm and Westaway Roads

• The precinct is proposed to offer a range of sport and recreational activities including but not limited to cricket, soccer, hardcourt activities, disc golf, events, playgrounds, pedal and skate play, criterium track, multi-use trails and nature walks.

Homey Farm Sport Precinct Master Plan:

• four rectangular full-size football fields

• two ovals (full size cricket with eight turf pitches) and cricket practice nets to support tier 2 cricket events

• shared fields (four rectangular fields with one oval overlay)

• shared clubhouse

• 1.8km criterium track with two smaller loops

• hardcourt precinct

• indoor sport and recreation centre

• youth activity area (bike, skate, ninja warrior / parkour, climbing wall)

• children’s all ability playground adjoining a nature play area and open space

• open event space including a fitness trail

• wetlands and water bodies with nature trails

• area for disc golf course

• dog off-leash park.

To receive updates please email LandscapeDesignandPlanning@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

To review the master plan please visit council’s website.