A major new regional sport, recreation and community precinct on the Sunshine Coast is officially turning green, with turf rolling out on the first sports fields at the Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct in Meridan Plains.
Residents travelling along Caloundra Road might have seen the lighting poles installed over recent months - and now the first signs of lush green fields will start emerging on the precinct's multi-use spaces.
The milestone comes as the project enters its next phase, with construction of the central football and cricket clubhouses set to start, creating a future regional hub for sport on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the milestone marked a significant step forward in delivering one of the region's largest and most exciting community projects.
"This is more than just grass - it's a symbol of progress and a sign that the Honey Farm precinct is taking shape," Mayor Natoli said.
"From football (soccer) fields to nature trails, this precinct has been designed with, and for our community, and it's wonderful to see it growing before our eyes.
"Just as exciting is the next stage of the project, with construction of the central football and cricket clubhouses about to begin.
"These facilities will provide a home for local clubs, support pathways for players competing at the highest regional and state levels, and create opportunities for the continued growth of sport on the Sunshine Coast."
When fully complete, the 75‑hectare precinct will feature a range of sport and recreational activities including football, cricket, hardcourt activities, playgrounds, pedal and skate play, multi-use trails, dog park and nature walks.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm, joined Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli and councillors on site today to mark the important milestone.
"The Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct is the kind of project our government is proud to get behind," Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
"It's exciting for families, schools, local sporting clubs, and the Sunshine Coast community as a whole.
"Through our Growing Regions Program, the Albanese Government will always back local councils and communities to deliver more infrastructure that boosts lifestyle and brings people together."
Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said the community had plenty to look forward to as the precinct continued to take shape.
"People ask me all the time what's happening next at Honey Farm, and seeing the turf go down will be a significant milestone," Cr Burns said.
"This project has been years in the making, and it's exciting to know we're one step closer to local clubs and families getting out onto the fields and making the most of this fantastic precinct."
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP said Honey Farm will be a fantastic asset for local families, sporting clubs and young athletes, providing more opportunities to get active, stay healthy and enjoy everything that makes our region such a wonderful place to live.
"It's terrific to see the first fields taking shape, and I congratulate Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Councillor Tim Burns and Sunshine Coast Council on their continued work to bring this long-awaited project to life," Mr Wallace said.
"With $13.6 million in Australian Government funding supporting Stage 1, this is a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to deliver for our community.
"I look forward to seeing local kids and sporting clubs running onto these fields for the first time in 2027."
