Sport and recreation lovers rejoice in Division 3

Honey Farm Sports and Recreation Precinct, Kawana Waters Regional Aquatic Centre and Sunshine Coast Stadium legacy projects – all in Division 3 – will receive a healthy boost in Sunshine Coast Council’s 2024-25 Budget.

Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said this year’s Budget included a diverse and valuable mix of projects that supported the community.

“Athletes and sport lovers in Division 3 are in for a treat, with a range of major sporting, recreational and community complexes breaking ground,” Cr Burns said.

“The Honey Farm Sports and Recreation Precinct receives $18m this financial year. Once completed it will feature purpose-built sporting fields and ovals, playgrounds, active youth and play spaces for biking, skateboarding, nature trails, wetland experiences, dog-friendly facilities and opportunities for community events.

“Upgrades to the tune of $7.4 million will continue at the Kawana Waters Regional Aquatic Centre to improve this popular facility enjoyed by families, used to get fit and by elite athletes.

“As we head closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s exciting to see an investment of $7 million in the $148 million Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion project at Bokarina.”

“The project is primarily funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments, which includes a Council contribution of $17 million over three financial years.

“The expansion will deliver additional seating, taking total fixed seating capacity to more than 10,500.

“By utilising the mounds at the northern and southern ends, the stadium will have a total capacity of approximately 14,500.

“Early works will start later this year. Construction is planned to start in 2025, creating an estimated 650 jobs, and is due for completion in 2027.

“Once completed, it will provide high-quality competition and training facilities for our local athletes and will be leading-edge in accessibility to accommodate the many para-sports, athletes and spectators who will use it.

“Initially, we’ll also invest $150,000 in additional lighting at Kawana Park Eagles AFL Club at Meridan Plains.

“These community facilities help to create a healthy and active precinct for our whole community to enjoy now and well into the future.

“We’re also committed to improving our infrastructure and strengthening our active transport network with a $348,600 investment in Warana and Little Mountain, with design starting in 2025.

“These transport links are helping prepare our region for future transport opportunities and will help us to advocate for further public transport on the Sunshine Coast.”

Cr Burns said the little things which made such a difference to our everyday lives were also included in this year’s Budget.

“We’re investing $85,000 to replace the climbing net at Creekwood South Park at Little Mountain; providing fitness equipment and replacing a table at Tuldar Park at Wurtulla at a cost of $60,000; and keeping the little ones safe with new softfall rubber at Ridgehaven Park, Aroona at a cost of $60,000,” he said.

Other projects include a new barbecue and furniture at Crummunda Park, Wurtulla ($15,000) and replacing seats at Noel Burns Park, Wurtulla ($10,000).

The Budget was adopted at a Special Meeting on Thursday, June 20.

For further information on Sunshine Coast Council’s 2024–25 Budget, including a full list of Division 3 projects, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/budget.

Division 3 encompasses: Aroona, Bokarina, Birtinya, Currimundi, Little Mountain, Meridan Plains, Warana, Wurtulla.

2024–25 Division 3 Budget highlights include:

• Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct, Meridan Plains $18,100,000
• Kawana Waters Regional Aquatic Centre Masterplan Implementation, Bokarina+ $7,458,500
• Sunshine Coast Outdoor Stadium, Bokarina** $7,000,000
• Meridan Sporting Complex upgrade to clubhouse and fields, Meridan Plains  $1,500,000
• Sunshine Coast Indoor Stadium relocation pre-works, Bokarina $500,000
• Active Transport riding network infrastructure, Warana $200,000
• Kawana Park Eagles AFL Club additional lighting Field 2, Meridan Plains $150,000
• Active Transport riding network infrastructure, Little Mountain $148,600
• Ivadale Lakes pathway renewal, Little Mountain $135,000
• Dune Vista Drive raised pedestrian crossing near intersection of Dune Vista  and Thunderbird Drive, Bokarina $125,000
• Creekwood South Park climbing net renewal, Little Mountain $85,000
• Parklands Boulevard service road pathway renewal, Little Mountain $80,000
• Tuldar Park fitness equipment and table renewal, Wurtulla $70,000
• Ridgehaven Park softfall rubber to swing renewal, Aroona $60,000
• Aroona Park Playground shade, Aroona $55,000
• Viridian Circuit Park exercise area shade, Birtinya $55,000
• Oceanic Drive pathway missing link between Bandaroo Street and Palkana Drive, Warana $24,000
• Westaway Parade drinking fountain, bottle filler and dog bowl, Currimundi $25,000
• Beach Access 252 Firetail Court bench seat installation, Wurtulla $10,000
• Bokarina Boulevard Park exercise equipment investigation and concept plan, Bokarina $5,000

**Proudly funded by the Queensland Government and Australian Government in association with Sunshine Coast Council

+Proudly funded by the Australian Government in association with Sunshine Coast