A new field and 110 extra car parking spaces are under construction as part of the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex Master Plan, to boost sporting opportunities and ensure the Sunshine Coast remains competitive in the sporting event space.
The upgrade at the Fishermans Road complex will be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said there was a lot of excitement around the new field at the eastern end of the facility which will be the fourth oval for the complex.
"The field will be used for training, development programs and games for seasonal sports like AFL and soccer," Cr Law said.
"The need for an additional 110 car park spaces will meet the increasing demands of the existing sporting groups and major events held at the community complex each year.
"It will also attract additional, and maintain existing, high calibre sporting events including, AFL Queensland's Q-Schools Cup Finals, AFL International Cup and Brisbane Lions' talent and development programs – what a win for our region."
Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O'Pray said sports and recreation tourism was one of the key drivers of the region's economy, injecting approximately $442 million per year and would play a key role in the region's recovery following novel coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
"Sports facilities, like this one planned more than 10 years ago, provide our community with an additional incentive for elite teams to visit, and it makes it easier for families and rising sporting stars to get involved in local sports," Cr O'Pray said.
"Over recent years, there's been an increase in the number of championships and carnivals held at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex including large AFL and netball events which have become regular features and can attract more than 4,000 participants and spectators to the complex.
"Hopefully later this year we will see the return of Netball Queensland's State Age Netball Championship which was postponed from July. The tournament is expected to bring more than 7,000 people per day to the venue.
"Next year, the AFL International Cup is coming to the complex so the additional 110 car spaces and new field will prove to be a worthwhile investment for the venue's first international event."
AFL Queensland State Infrastructure Manager Cobey Moore welcomed Sunshine Coast Council's ongoing investment at Maroochydore.
"The addition of this new field will make Maroochydore one of the nation's best community sport venues and help the coast cater for future population growth and meet the demand for new greenspace," Mr Moore said.
"AFL participation across Queensland has grown by 54 per cent in the past five years. Much of this is fuelled by the massive growth in female participation.
"Across the Sunshine Coast region, female participation is up 107 per cent and overall club growth has increased by 10 per cent.
"The venue is well utilised across all levels of the game from Auskick to school and community competition as well as attracting elite pre-season training, with six AFL clubs using the precinct as a base in 2020."
Field goal-posts, car park lighting, shade trees and landscaping will also be installed during construction.
Eureka Landscapes was awarded the contract to deliver the $1.9 million project and has engaged several locally based sub-contractors to assist with civil works and laying turf.
FAST FACTS
• New eastern multi-use field for soccer and AFL
• Additional 110 car parking spaces
• $3.1 million facilities upgrade completed October 2019 to support netball and AFL
• Sport and recreation contributes approximately $442 million per year to the local economy
• Complex has 26 netball courts to host regional, state and national competitions.
