Planning our sports facilities for future growth

Council will borrow $1.5 million this financial year to purchase land for a sporting precinct, which will serve the high population growth expected in the future.

Mayor Greg Christensen said the purchase of the 31.5 hectare (78 acres) including land and buildings on the corner of the Beaudesert Town Centre Bypass and Lupton Road in Beaudesert was a strategic opportunity and one that Council couldn't afford to miss.

"Last year, the Department of Transport and Main Road provided Council with the first option to purchase a series of properties adjoining the Beaudesert Town Centre Bypass and Lupton Road," Cr Christensen said.

"The previous Council assessed the proposal and after careful consideration and analysis, made a recommendation to include the funding in this year's budget.

"A parcel of land this size and so close to the community centre is rare, and an opportunity not to be missed when we are expecting our population to boom."

Under the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017- Shaping SEQ, Beaudesert and its surrounds are expecting a high population growth in the future.

"While these is a long term plan, it's important as a Council that we also have a long-term strategic vision to ensure our communities are well planned and serviced for future generations."

Division 4 Councillor, Michael Enright, said the land purchase meant there would be a proper and very capable sporting precinct in the future, which would benefit locals as well as providing economic benefits.

"The facilities will be used by our residents, families and community groups, however it also means as a region we will be able to bid to host competitions and events, and of course this will have flow on economic benefits across our communities.

"We've had many conversations with the Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce who have strongly advocated for this type of precinct for the community and I would like to acknowledge the Chamber members for their vision and support for our future community needs," Cr Enright said.

In the coming year, Council will conduct a review of all its sports infrastructure assets to ensure facilities meet the current and future requirements. The review will assist Council in understanding what types of facilities and sports grounds may be developed on this site in the future.

Cr Christensen said the development of the site so it is usable for the community will be earmarked in long-term planning.

"Development of the site in the long-term will be underpinned by the outcomes of the Sports Infrastructure review and will require additional design, earthworks, drainage and infrastructure construction.

"This of course all takes funding, and when the time is right, I am confident that Council will continue to look at appropriate grant opportunities to minimise the financial burden on our ratepayers.

"With the development of the sports precinct many years away, in the interim, Council will lease the land for grazing," Cr Christensen said.

Pictured: Mayor Greg Christensen and Division 4 Councillor Michael Enright in front of the Lupton Road property earmarked for a future sporting facility.