Girraween Sports Complex takes out State leisure award

Sunshine Coast Council’s $6.9m Girraween Sports Complex at Sunshine Beach recently took out the Queensland Leisure Facilities category at the 2013 Parks and Leisure Australia Awards.

Division 11 Councillor Russell Green said he is not surprised that Girraween Sports Complex has been acknowledged at a State level as it has certainly raised the bar when it comes to industry benchmarks.

“The complex boasts outstanding facilities which impressed the judges, in particular its innovative design and eco-friendly sustainability features,” Cr Green said.

“When the complex was opened last year, we knew then that the community would proudly embrace this facility and the positive feedback we have received has been testament to this.

“This fully integrated multi-sports complex is home to the Noosa Little Athletics Club and Noosa Lions Football Club.

“Girraween Sports Complex will now be flying the flag for the Sunshine Coast at the 2013 Parks and Leisure National Awards of Excellence on Wednesday 16 October 2013 in Melbourne.”

The complex – developed by Sunshine Coast Council in consultation with local sporting groups – features two senior and two junior football fields, athletics grass track and facilities, the only criterium cycling circuit on the Coast that can host a regional competition, clubhouse and amenities and car parking. Other features of the complex include a 100 seat clubroom, offices, kitchen, first aid and referees room.

Economic Development (Tourism, Sport and Major Events) Portfolio Councillor Jason OPray said the Girraween Sports Complex is an exceptional facility which has hosted a range of major events such as the Cycling Queensland State Criterium Championships, Masters and Under 19 National Cycling Championships, New Zealand National Triathlon Teams, Sunshine Coast Regional football finals as well as hosting touring football teams from Qld and NSW.

“This fully integrated multi sports complex provides the wider Sunshine Coast community with the ability to train and play on first class sporting fields and utilise a safe off-road environment for cyclists,” Cr OPray said.

“The Brisbane Roar has even utilised the complex for their clinics and the clubhouse facilities have been hired out for mentoring youth who will one day be our future champions both on and off the field.”

The Queensland Government contributed $1.5 million towards the project as part of an initiative to encourage more Queenslanders to get involved in recreation and sport.