A NEW community club house will be built at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct in Nikenbah.
The club house will provide space for two local sporting groups and more facilities for use during major events.
It will be the third club house at the precinct, with Hervey Bay Netball and Football Hervey Bay already occupying their own spaces.
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The community club house is being developed with the support of a $1.1-million grant through the State Government’s COVID Works for Queensland funding program.
The tender has been awarded to Ausco Modular.
Site preparation will begin next month, with the club house due to be operational by the end of June.
The facility will provide office and storage space for the Fraser Coast Cycling Club and Oztag Hervey Bay.
A new first aid room, kiosk, umpires’ room as well as additional showers, toilets and changerooms will also be included.
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Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Council would begin engaging with the community in the coming months on the vision and priorities for stage two of the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.
“Sport and recreation help build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities,” Cr Seymour said.
“Whilst sport keeps us physically active, it also keeps us socially connected. It is where lasting memories are made and fond friendships formed.”
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The mayor said the completion of stage one of the sports precinct was a significant milestone, but was also the first step in a long journey.
“This precinct will grow as our community grows. It’s an investment for now and it’s an investment for the future of Fraser Coast sport, leisure and entertainment,” he said.
Cr Seymour said the precinct provided Fraser Coast residents will access to high-quality sporting fields, helping attract events and visitors to the region.
It’s been two years since the precinct opened.
In that time, lights have been erected at two fields and three new fields will be developed later this year.
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Meanwhile, Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders welcomed the development of the new club house.
“The Sports and Recreation Precinct has been such a success for the region, bringing people together when we need it most. Early works will start in April, and that can’t come soon enough so we can get locals employed as soon as possible,” Mr Saunders said.
“Hopefully this project will help our local teams to be more competitive and we can see some more home-grown stars.”
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the project was a fantastic upgrade to an already great community facility.”
“It’s been great to see our local teams using the precinct to train and play, it’s been a real focal point for the community. The upgrade will make that facility even better, bringing in more teams and critically employing local workers during the construction phase,” Mr Tantari said.
“Queensland’s plan for economic recovery has already begun, and the entire region is benefitting from it.”