Work underway on major project for Maroochy Beach Gymnastics

A major makeover is underway at the home of one of the Sunshine Coast's longest established sporting organisations, Maroochy Beach Gymnastics.

Mayor Mark Jamieson, Cr Jason O’Pray, Cr John Connolly and Cr Ted Hungerford, who jointly contributed to the project through discretionary grants, today turned the first sod on the $1.75 million extension of the Wises Road premises.

The project also received funding from the Queensland Government's Get Playing Plus program, club fundraising initiatives and private investment.

Mayor Jamieson said Maroochy Beach Gymnastics was one of the Coast's most successful sporting clubs.

The regional facility, on the border of three council divisions, services close to 1000 members from all over the Sunshine Coast, with more than 300 regularly on the waiting list.

The membership base is expected to surpass 2000 members by 2020.

"We all know the benefits of exercise, leading a healthy lifestyle and getting our children into great habits. Here is a club that makes that possible," Mayor Jamieson said.

"Being the progressive club they are, they weren’t just happy to keep the status quo, they’ve looked to expand and develop.

"They certainly align with our vision of a healthy, smart and creative region."

Club president Peter Dwan said: "At Maroochy Beach Gymnastics, we’ve just celebrated 40 years as a vibrant community hub, promoting coordination, strength, self-discipline and healthy life choices to two generations of kids,"

"We’ve seen tremendous growth and success during this time but for the past few years we’ve been bursting at the seams and having to turn kids away.

"Like all major projects, this extension project is a team effort.

"Our members and the community, through a fantastic Sea FM campaign, have been digging deep through a range of fundraising initiatives and helped to get us where we are today with what is an exciting and long awaited extension."