A multimillion-dollar venue designed to support youths is on the way to the Sunshine Coast’s fastest-growing area.
A Police Community Youth Club (PCYC) will be built at Aura, which is expected to be home to about 50,000 people.
The state government has announced it will contribute $15m to the building as part of a comprehensive community safety plan.
It will be just the second PCYC in the region, with the other at Nambour.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz could not confirm where the centre would be but said a location had been mooted and talks were being held in relation to it.
“A potential site for the club has been identified and negotiations are underway,” he said.
“Size will partly be determined by land allocation however it is estimated it would be approximately 250sqm.”
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Mr Schultz was unsure when people could have access to it.
“Timing for opening is subject to the finalisation of funding and land agreements as well as building approvals,” he said.
But he could confirm what features were likely to be offered at the venue.
“The PCYC will support young people in the local area and surrounds through the delivery of youth programs and sport and recreation activities,” he said.
It is planned that the PCYC will include a dedicated youth space; multipurpose spaces for sport, recreation and community activities; a purpose-built gymnastics facility; a 24/7 community gym; an outdoor basketball court, dependent on the site; and a sealed car park with dedicated parking spaces.
“PCYC activities and programs are popular with the community, and it’s anticipated that thousands of members of the local community will use the facility,” Mr Schultz said.
The funding announcement came after the state government received advice from the Queensland Police Service and the project was pushed by local MP Jason Hunt.
The new club is expected to enable the QPS and PCYC to deliver social programs that have proven successful in other locations.
Premier Steven Miles said the centre would be of significant benefit.
“Caloundra is a growing region with a number of young families who will directly benefit from the community connections a PCYC offers,” he said via a state government media release.
“PCYC facilities have a great tradition of providing the supports and activities that help young people develop self-esteem and the social skills they need to lead a productive life.
“In turn, young Queenslanders remain connected and engaged, rather than being drawn into a culture of offending.
“As the Sunshine Coast grows, it’s important these facilities are available in the south which we know is a huge growth corridor.”
Deputy Premier Cameron Dick said the centre’s services would provide youths with assistance.
“I know PCYC staff work day and night to provide local kids and families with innovative activities, programs, outside school hours care and more,” he said.
“It’s these social programs that help our kids to get connected, make friends and build positive relationships with those around them.
“PCYC’s are also a safe space for those who don’t have that support at home. The staff provide that specialist youth outreach, which can often turn a young person towards a better future.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it would be a “great facility” for kids at Aura.
“There can be no better ambition than to give our young people a good start in life, and having a PCYC facility in this fast-growing area will help support the young people in the area to develop the life skills they will need for the future,” he said.
Mr Hunt said the announcement was “a great outcome for the community”.
“PCYC has a proven track record of delivering for young people, giving them the supports and active programs that help young people develop pride in themselves,” he said.
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