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The upgraded Kingscliff Regional Sports Complex was officially opened overnight with the help of players from Kingscliff District Football Club, Cudgen Leagues Club and Tweed Little Athletics.
The $3.9 million upgrade included construction of a new clubhouse, public toilets and changeroom facilities, new energy efficient LED lighting (up to 250 lux) installed on multiple fields, upgrades to athletics facilities, a new entryway, car parking and landscaping.
The majority of construction of the new facility was completed in mid-2021, with final touches to the overall facility including car parking, the entryway and final lighting components finished in 2022.
The upgrade transformed the sports fields from a small, limited facility to a multi-use, regional sporting complex which can now host a variety of sports including football, rugby league, athletics, and cricket.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry, who along with other dignitaries officially opened the new facility, said it was great to see the complex so widely used and appreciated by the local community.
“Facilities like this make sporting dreams a possibility for regional kids in small communities in the Tweed,” Cr Cherry said.
“Sports are often at the heart of a community – having a purpose-built complex for kids, families and adults to come together to play, be active and healthy is so important.
“The facility is now classed as a ‘regional’ facility which means all clubs will have the ability to host regional and state tournaments and carnivals. Many local clubs and players have already reaped the benefits of the upgraded facility since it was completed – we are thrilled to deliver this for the people of the Tweed.”
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest MP said he was delighted to see this project come to life.
“Securing this funding from the NSW Government will ensure our local Tweed athletes have access to first class facilities,” Mr Provest said.
“This expansion particularly took into account the growing number of women’s teams entering competitions, so providing additional changerooms to cater for this was extremely important. The women’s teams need the same access to shower facilities and changerooms as the men’s teams and this project delivered that.
“Access to improved facilities will see countless benefits for local players, athletes and the wider sporting community.”
Kingscliff District Football Club president Gillian Austin appreciates the upgraded space to train and play games.
“This was a very significant funding contribution and reflects a clear commitment of support for sport in our area, recognising the growing demands on all codes,” Ms Austin said.
“The flow-on effects of the upgraded facilities have allowed us to pursue the promotion of our senior teams to a higher competition, which in turn offers exciting development opportunities for our young players coming through – so we are very pleased with the results.”
The project was primarily funded through the Office of Sport’s (NSW Government) Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund ($3.2 million), and Tweed Shire Council ($750,000) with additional contributions from the facility’s user groups including the Kingscliff Hockey Club.
The facility was due to be officially opened last year, however the COVID-19 pandemic and the flood resulted in a delay to the finishing touches of the project.
The upgrade of sporting facilities in the Tweed is one way Council works to support the community to be more healthy and active. The future of sport and recreation in the Tweed will be planned as part of Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2033 due to go on public exhibition later this year.
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