Clubs score new lighting, facilities in $2.7m boost
The upgraded Warriors Football clubhouse.
A multimillion-dollar upgrade for a hinterland facility is scoring big points with local sporting clubs described as being “vital to the social fabric of our communities’’.
Palmwoods Warriors Football Club’s headquarters have received a major makeover improving access for all abilities while the adjacent Graeme Rae Oval will receive new LED ground lighting to support cricket and AFL.
Fisher MP Andrew Wallace, Deputy Mayor Rick Baberowski, Nicklin MP Rob Skelton and Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston.
Under 14 Palmwoods players on the attack. Pic: Stacey Kilburn.
The improvements, costing more than half a million dollars were made possible thanks to funding from all three tiers of government.
The Warriors Football Club, Hinterland Blues AFL Club and Palmwoods Cricket Club engage with many thousands of participants.
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the modern clubhouse included refurbished change areas, canteen, meeting room and office, storage area and public amenities.
“The extensive undercover viewing area is sure to be a crowd pleaser and will provide a massive boost to the sporting clubs for the season and supports sun smart outcomes.
“Overall, it’s a win for the Palmwoods sports precinct, with a total of $2.7 million injected since 2021 when the adjacent Hinterland AFL and Palmwoods cricket clubhouse received a $1.5 million upgrade.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the State Government was investing in the Sunshine Coast’s world-class lifestyle.
“We have a great community here and it will be made even better with the upgrades to the Palmwoods Warrior’s club, we’re hoping to see more local kids develop a love of sport right here.”
New lights are being installed to support cricket and AFL games played on the Graeme Rae Oval.
The $519,000 Palmwoods Cricket/AFL LED lighting project includes new 300 lux LED lights over the wicket box and 200 lux outer field lighting to improve competition and training opportunities.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the upgrades at Graeme Rae Oval would light up the future for the Hinterland Blues and the Palmwoods Cricket Club.
“Whether it’s footy or cricket, juniors and seniors will now be able to train and play once the sun goes down,” Mr Wallace said.
The works were delivered by Sunshine Coast Regional Council through several local Sunshine Coast contractors including Boydbuilt Constructions who employed 70 local tradies throughout the construction works.