A multimillion-dollar sport and rec complex is still expected to open late next year despite wild weather disrupting works, although one of its tenants will have to wait longer to move in.
Stage 1 of the Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct at Meridan Plains is well underway, including sports field earthworks and buried services civil works.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed that the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred had “hampered works” but the venue was still expected to open in late 2026.
“It will be a major integrated sport and recreation precinct,” they said. “It 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.”
The site is set to include football and cricket fields, a disc golf course, playgrounds, pedal and skate park, criterium track, multi-use trails, dog park, event space and nature walks.
It’s not yet clear which of those elements will be ready for use by the end of next year.
The precinct will be the home of Sunshine Coast football and cricket associations and the Caloundra Football Club and Sunshine Coast Scorchers Cricket Club.
Caloundra FC was initially expected to relocate from Meridan Fields to the complex in 2026 but club members face a longer wait.
The council spokesperson said they will shift in 2027.
“(That is) due to delays caused by prolonged wet weather and other factors which have affected the new facility’s construction timelines,” they said.
“The cricket precinct delivery remains on schedule for activation from 2027.”
The 75-hectare site, north of Caloundra Road and opposite the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, was purchased by council in 2011 to provide long-term sport and recreation facilities for rapidly-growing region.
The project is predominantly funded by the Local Government Infrastructure Plan with Stage 1 works on budget at about $20 million.
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Federal government funding of $13.6 million was announced earlier this year.
This funding is a partial contribution towards the overall $100 million precinct development.
Detailed design and approvals for Stage 2 will be undertaken from 2025 to 2027.
The council does not have the capacity to solely finance the entire project and was expected to apply for further funding from state and federal governments, in partnership with the precinct’s sport and recreation groups and the community.
