Two new sporting facilities worth a combined $13 million have opened in a booming Sunshine Coast estate.
Developer Stockland has unveiled the $8 million Baringa Sports Complex and $5 million Nirimba Rugby League Grounds, in the Aura masterplanned community.
Sunshine Coast Council will maintain the grounds of both facilities, with the clubhouses managed by local sporting clubs.
The Baringa facility spans 7.5 hectares and features two full-size AFL fields, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts and extensive shaded seating for spectators, along with lighting for night games.
The new hub is now home to the Caloundra Panthers AFL Club and Tennis Queensland, while also remaining open for casual community use outside of club times.
The new Nirimba grounds comprise two full-size rugby league fields and a clubhouse, and will be home to Aura’s first senior rugby league facility.
The new inclusive sports clubhouse is funded with the support of the Queensland Government in association with Sunshine Coast Council.
Stockland development director Josh Sondergeld said the new facilities reflected the developer’s ongoing investment in Aura’s growing network of sports and recreation spaces.
“We’re incredibly proud to see two new sporting destinations open for the Aura community. Residents of all ages now have even more opportunities close to home to get active, connect with others and take advantage of the outdoor lifestyle Aura is known for,” he said.
“These facilities form part of Stockland’s vision to create Australia’s most liveable masterplanned community, where everything is designed to work together to support a healthy and connected lifestyle. From playing fields and parks to cycle paths and community hubs, each neighbourhood in Aura is designed to give people easy access to the places that make daily life more convenient and enjoyable.”
Related story: First look at new sports and rec precinct
Councillor Jenny Broderick said the council was proud to work in partnership with Stockland to deliver the spaces.
“With modern clubhouses and facilities for tennis, pickleball, AFL, NRL and more, these grounds will be a real asset for our growing community. I’m really looking forward to seeing them being used,” Cr Broderick said.
“The opening of these new sports grounds at Baringa and Nirimba marks an important investment in the health and wellbeing of our community. These facilities will provide opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and connected.”
On completion, Aura is expected to feature 10 sporting grounds totalling 70 hectares and more than 200km of walking paths and cycling veloways connecting homes to venues such as these, schools, parks, shops and local businesses.
