‘Wonderful to see’: mega facility springs to life

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.” 

What’s happening on site 

Eight soccer fields form part of Stage 1 works, which also include major earthworks, internal roads and carparking, pathays, service connections, wetlands construction, sports field lighting installation, clubhouse buildings, public amenities, grounds maintenance precinct and supporting infrastructure. 

Stage 1 roads, kerbing and carparking are now complete, soccer field lighting is installed, the clubhouses are under construction, wetlands are taking shape with wildlife re-establishing and the construction of the first four soccer fields is well underway. 

The project is now transitioning from major civil works to the delivery of key sporting and community facilities, with construction of the central football and cricket clubhouses scheduled to start shortly. 

The new regional clubhouses will support both football and cricket, providing a future home for the Sunshine Coast Wanderers, Caloundra Football Club and Sunshine Coast Scorchers Cricket Club.

Prioritising community sport needs 

Council has prioritised completion of the first four fields to enable soccer activation for the start of the 2027 season with Caloundra FC moving into their new home in March.   

The remaining three soccer fields and the synthetic pitch are scheduled for completion late 2027, with cricket oval activation planned for 2028.    

As works continue, the sports precinct will progressively come together throughout 2026 to 2028. 

Funding and timeline 

Stage 1 works are expected to be completed by mid-2028, weather permitting. 

In January 2025, the project received $13.6 million from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program, contributing to the estimated $100 million master-planned development. 

Council is working towards the precinct being partially operational in 2027 and will continue engaging with clubs and stakeholders as construction progresses. 

To view the master plan and stay updated, visit Council’s website. 

Fast facts

• The new football and cricket clubhouses will include accessible amenities, recovery facilities, administration spaces, community function areas, canteen facilities and spectator viewing areas. 
• The facility will encourage the community to be involved in active sports, outdoor recreation, healthy living and community events. 
• The 75-hectare site was purchased in 2011 to provide long term sport and recreation facilities to serve the entire region. 
• The site has been a long-term project for Council and is a priority project within the Environment and Liveability Strategy, and the Local Government Infrastructure Plan. 
• The site is located north of Caloundra Road opposite the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. It has frontages to Honey Farm and Westaway roads. 
• The precinct is proposed to offer a range of sport and recreational activities including football (soccer), cricket, hardcourt activities, events, playgrounds, pedal and skate play, multi-use trails, dog park and nature walks.