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It’s kick off time! Tweed Heads West locals and the rugby league community are ‘playing the field’ – the new field that is – of the Piggabeen Sports Complex, marking completion of the first stage of upgrades at the popular sports hub.
The partnership project between Tweed Shire Council and Tweed Seagulls Rugby League Football Club (RLFC) features upgrades to field surfaces including drainage, irrigation and new turf, LED lighting for 3 sports fields, stormwater management and a new children’s playground.
Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith said the extensive renovations and enhancements of Stage 1 had transformed the complex into a premier sporting hub.
“The completion of Stage 1 works marks a significant milestone in the development of this state-of-the-art sporting facility. The newly upgraded fields provide a much smoother and professional surface for the players, supporting them to further lift their game,” Mr Smith said.
“Work has also included upgrading the sports field lighting to energy-efficient LEDs of up to 200 lux for the main field and 150 lux for the other fields.
“The Tweed is a growing area with a big focus on sport and it’s hoped the enhancements will provide excellent opportunities to play and train on a professional grade field, while we know the new kids’ playground will be warmly welcomed by many families in the area.”
Tweed Seagulls RLFC Chief Executive Officer Brendon Lindsay said anticipation from the community had been building in the lead up to the first game recently played on the new fields.
“We hosted our first rivalry round games against the Burleigh Bears on Saturday 23 March and the fields held up really well,” Mr Lindsay said.
“Our club thanks Tweed Shire Council, the NSW Government and our contractors for their support in delivering this upgrade.
“With Stage 1 nearing completion, our community welcomes the positive impact this world-class facility will have on the local sporting community and beyond.”
Council received $600,000 from the NSW Department of Planning through its Regional Housing Fund to deliver elements of Stage 1 of the Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government was investing in high-quality recreational and open space for Tweed Heads’ growing community.
“This $2.28 million project will provide an excellent opportunity for the community to connect, play sport, be social and come together,” Mr Scully said.
“The project has been vital for the sporting community in Tweed Heads. It has delivered upgraded sporting fields, drainage, lighting and even a new playground for kids.
“This complex will be utilised by the Tweed community particularly the Tweed Seagulls Rugby League Club who will benefit for years to come.”
An additional $1.68 million granted to Tweed Seagulls RLFC through the NSW Government’s Office of Sport Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund will be used to complete additional elements of the masterplan.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said projects like these showed the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering sporting infrastructure the whole community can enjoy.
“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected,” Mr Kamper said.
“Multi-use facilities like these at Piggabeen Sports Complex provide opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and recreation, whether they’re playing at an elite level or looking to enjoy a day at the park.”
Environmental considerations were a priority in the construction process, with the incorporation of sustainable features such as energy-efficient LED lighting, which will use approximately 40% less energy to run.
The use of iron cutter turf, laid on field one, was also chosen for its wearability and drought tolerance and is a first for the Tweed, showcasing Council’s commitment to a greener future.
Piggabeen Sports Complex is a Council-owned facility in Tweed Heads West primarily used as a rugby league ground.
It is the home ground of the Tweed’s only Queensland Cup rugby league team, the Tweed Seagulls RLFC.
The ground is also used by the club's junior rugby league teams and local residents for recreation.
Work on Stage 2 of the Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan will be prioritised in Council’s future planning as funding becomes available.
The community was invited to comment on the Draft Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan in 2021 – a 10-year plan for the Tweed’s favourite rugby league sporting facility.
This project forms part of Council’s Open Space Strategy 2019–29, the overarching framework and strategic direction for public open space planning in the Tweed for the next decade.
Delivering projects like these is one way Council is committing to supporting our community to be active and healthy.
Find out more about this project at yoursaytweed.com.au/piggabeensportscomplex.
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