A Sunshine Coast football club regularly forced to close its fields after wet weather is set to receive an upgrade.
Coolum Football Club will receive $84,000 through Round 2 of the state government’s Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program to address drainage problems affecting its playing fields.
Club president Jo Bush said the project would have a positive impact on more than 800 players aged from five to 50.
“This funding will allow us to improve our drainage and ultimately enable our members to be able to play more football,” Ms Bush said.
“The club’s fields are on low-lying land, next to a tidal creek, and have poor drainage, meaning when it rains, we regularly have to close our fields for training and matches.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this work without this funding, so thank you to the Queensland Government for the support.”
The Coolum project is one of 72 grassroots sporting projects across Queensland sharing $30m through the program’s second round.
Another 119 projects are being delivered under Round 1, with the state government reporting 40 have been completed and 79 are underway.
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said the funding would allow the club to carry out much-needed drainage improvements.
“The club currently experiences frequent field closures after periods of wet weather, so better drainage will mean more regular and consistent playing opportunities for club members,” Mr Purdie said.
“The funding will help more Coolum locals to be actively involved in sport and create a lasting community legacy for the future.”
Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said the latest round would build on projects already being delivered across Queensland.
“This investment will deliver real benefits to the athletes and community who use these facilities week in and week out,” Mr Mander said.
“The $30 million boost from Round 2 is set to support another 72 clubs across Queensland and build on the projects already underway across the state.”
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Mr Mander said the program was intended to ensure grassroots sporting clubs shared in the benefits associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We want to cement our place as the home of sport in Australia and by investing in the facilities our clubs need, we are delivering a legacy that will last beyond 2032,” he said.
