Sporting clubs to benefit from new facilities

The Queensland Government has announced $9 million in funding to support local sporting organisations impacted by construction associated with the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade, including a new clubhouse for the Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club and significant upgrades to Meridan Fields Sporting Complex.

This funding builds on Council’s investment in local sporting infrastructure, including more than $2 million already invested at Meridan Fields Sporting Complex.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the investment would deliver stronger facilities and greater opportunities for local sporting clubs, players and volunteers.

"The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's fastest-growing regions and we're seeing more people than ever getting involved in community sport,” Mayor Natoli said.

"That's why investment in quality sporting facilities is so important.

"The upgrades to the Meridan Fields Sporting Complex and the delivery of a new clubhouse for the Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club will create more opportunities for our children to play the sport they love, right through to adults too.

"For local clubs, this means better facilities, better fields and an exciting future with room to grow for generations of players and volunteers."

"These projects are about more than infrastructure. They are about supporting people to stay active, connected and involved in their local community," she said.

"I want to thank the Queensland Government for its investment and partnership and, most importantly, the clubs, committees, volunteers, players, families and members who have engaged positively over many years and helped shape these outcomes for our region.

“Huge thanks to the clubs’ committees for the hundreds of hours of work getting all of these details right for the benefit of your community.”

Supporting local clubs through transition

The funding will support a range of facility improvements and club relocations as infrastructure projects progress.

The upgraded Meridan Fields Sporting Complex will feature upgraded playing fields, expanded clubhouse facilities, improved changerooms, a dedicated first aid room, enhanced drainage, additional field lighting and additional spectator seating.

A new clubhouse will also be delivered for the Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club at Kawana Sports Precinct, providing modern, accessible facilities designed to support players, volunteers, members and visitors well into the future.

Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said the investment would help ensure local sporting clubs could continue to grow and thrive alongside one of the Sunshine Coast's fastest-growing communities.

"Community sport plays a vital role in bringing people together and creating healthy, connected neighbourhoods," Cr Burns said.

"These upgrades will provide local clubs with modern facilities and the certainty they need to continue growing and supporting their members."

"The enhancement of Meridan Fields and the delivery of the new Kawana Dolphins clubhouse will create additional opportunities for players, volunteers and families, while helping meet increasing demand for sporting facilities across our region."

"It's fantastic to see all levels of government working together with clubs to deliver infrastructure that will benefit our community for decades to come."

Club movements and timing

Sunshine Coast Council has worked closely with local sporting clubs to support future relocations and facility upgrades, ensuring community sport remains strong while major projects progress across the region.

The upgrades will be supported by a staged transition program for affected clubs as construction progresses.

Cr Burns acknowledged that this would bring change for a number of clubs and their members.

“We appreciate the way our sporting community has worked with us throughout the planning process,” Cr Burns said.

Sunshine Coast Falcons

• Falcons remain at Sunshine Coast Stadium for the remainder of the 2026 season.
• Home games will relocate to Meridan Fields Sporting Complex for 2027 season.
• Expected to play home games from facilities within the Kawana Sports Precinct for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.
• Expected to return to the upgraded Sunshine Coast Stadium from 2030.

Kawana Junior Dolphins Rugby League Club

• Remain at Kawana Sports Precinct for the remainder of the 2026 season.
• Relocate to Meridan Fields Sporting Complex during the 2026-27 off-season.
• Commence the 2027 season at Meridan Fields as their permanent home.

Kawana Dolphins Senior Rugby League Club

• Remain at Kawana Sports Precinct for the remainder of the 2026 season.
• Existing clubhouse to be demolished at the end of the 2026 season.
• Home games play at Meridan Fields Sporting Complex during the 2027 season while redevelopment occurs.
• New clubhouse expected to be operational for the 2028 season.

Visit Council’s website for more information on each venue - Sports Club Transition.