New plan to enhance community use at Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club

A new Facility Development Plan for Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club site adopted by Sunshine Coast Council provides a long term vision for this important sport and recreation complex.

Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford said the Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club site at Wises Rd, Maroochydore was an important sport, recreation and community facility utilised by the Sunshine Coast community.

“The development of the Facility Development Plan is a recommendation from Council’s Sunshine Coast Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2011 – 2026,” Cr Hungerford said.

“This Plan seeks to confirm and prioritise the next stages of development for this district sport and recreation precinct in line with Council’s strategic direction.

“The adoption of the Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club Facility Development Plan reviews the existing site uses and ensures the new features complement and enhance community use over the next 20 years.

“This is particularly important to improve overall sport and recreation opportunities for users of the complex.

“Vegetation, waterways, traffic, residential development in close proximity and how the site relates to the regional sporting network were investigated in the development of the facility development plan.

“The Facility Development Plan builds on the existing infrastructure to reflect best value-for-money, while retaining flexibility for changes in future use.

“I would like to acknowledge the State Government who contributed $37,500 for the Facility Development Plan. This is an excellent example of State and Local Government working together to bring the community an improved sport, recreation and community facility.”

Throughout the Plan’s development, sporting trends, population projections and usage patterns were analysed. Extensive consultation occurred including individual meetings, workshops and surveys with user groups and the community.

The Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club site is home to a range of sport and recreation organisations including the Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club (MJRLC), Maroochydore / Coolum Rugby League, Maroochydore Oztag, Spartans Gridiron, Maroochydore Touch, Shamrock Boxing Club and is also utilised by a number of local schools.

Key recommendations of the Facility Development Plan include:

• Development of tiered seating to provide improved comfort and all-weather protection for spectators;

• Improved change rooms and toilets to meet minimum state competition standards and complement existing change rooms;

• New car parking to improve access for members, spectators and broader community;

• Improved pathways and connectivity between sporting zones to ensure safe passage; and

• Improved standard of playing surfaces with new field drainage.