A decades-old Sunshine Coast sporting facility has received a multimillion-dollar upgrade, bolstering the prospects of several local clubs.
The 30-year-old North Shore Multi Sports Complex at Mudjimba underwent a $2.7 million lift, including new LED lighting for night training and competition, extra change rooms and improved access for all abilities.
The upgraded clubhouse also includes a canteen, meeting room and referees’ room, as well as storage area and modern public amenities.
The upgrade is expected to provide a boost to the venue’s clubs, including North Shore Jets AFL, Mooloolaba SunCity Soccer Club and Sunshine Coast Baseball, which have a collective membership of more than 1500 participants.
They will now be able to host teams from throughout the region, as well as state and national events.
This project was funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast Council, AFL Queensland and Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the improvements to the complex would ignite enthusiasm in the local sports community.
“What a great outcome for our local AFL, soccer and baseball clubs who now have an outstanding clubhouse and vital infrastructure to ensure they can keep pace with the growing popularity of their sports,” he said.
“Upgrading our infrastructure has never been more important as we approach the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and we seek to encourage and excite more people to get involved in local sports.”
Sunshine Coast Councillor Jason O’Pray said the complex offered flexibility and new opportunities for our youth and experienced players.
“This modern, inclusive clubhouse includes two large change rooms which can be converted to four, providing extra privacy for players,” he said.
“Another highlight and first for the complex are the new LED lights for the AFL field – a huge step forward for the club’s growth.
“This will allow all the teams the opportunity to train in the evening, as opposed to training and playing games at Maroochydore Multisports Complex.”
Sustainable design elements have also been included with louvres reducing heat and humidity during the warmer months, as well as solar power and water tanks to improve our green footprint.
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien believed sports stars could emerge from the venue.
“I believe we’ll see future Australian Olympians and Paralympians playing under these new lights,” he said.
“Elite sport is great, but grassroots sport is even better and that’s what this investment supports.
“Enhancing community facilities are vital to improving safety, developing healthy habits and building critical community infrastructure to be used for generations to come.
“If there’s one thing sporting clubs know all about it’s teamwork, and I’m delighted the funding for this project has come from a big team effort.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt welcomed the upgrades.
“We’re backing in the Coast’s world-class lifestyle,” he said.
“More and more people are choosing to call the Sunshine Coast home and we need to deliver additional infrastructure including parks to maintain and improve our active lifestyle.
“The additional facilities will be a massive drawcard for the entire region, with new change rooms and better facilities. I know our families will make the most of this new facility too.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the complex would enable more people to get active.
“Sport is a key part our great lifestyle, the North Shore Multi Sports clubhouse upgrades means more Queenslanders can access better services and enjoy the sports they love,” he said.
North Shore AFL Jets vice-president Warren Selvage said the facility will help grow local clubs.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for the users of the complex, particularly North Shore Jets AFL, and it will assist us to promote sports in the local area,” he said.
“The new facilities, including the LED lights, not only benefit the development of our existing junior and senior players but will definitely attract more people in this growing area to play sport on a local, state and national level.
“The enhanced facilities will fast track the careers of so many young sports people.”
The venue upgrades were improved access, four new changerooms, improved canteen facilities, clubroom, LED field lighting, solar power, water tanks, efficient internal lighting, new main switchboard, landscaping and more efficient storage.
