Sporting infrastructure upgrades benefit Moreton Bay region college and community sport

The Queensland Government has invested $1 million in redeveloping sporting infrastructure to benefit both students at North Lakes State College and the Moreton Bay Region’s sporting community.

The upgraded main oval and new changerooms at North Lakes State College will be shared with community sporting organisations.

Global Turf Projects was engaged in November 2020 to reconstruct the school’s two football ovals, importing growing medium to correct the shape, repairing the irrigation system and grassing.

North Lakes Mustangs FC and The Lakes FC are already making use of the College’s newly turfed main oval, changerooms, amenities, kiosk, and 100 lux field lighting.

Local State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting notes “this is a transformational $1 million investment in college and community sport for the Moreton Bay Region.

“We know some of Queensland’s best sport and recreation infrastructure is behind school gates.

“In a fast-growing area with young families like North Lakes, it makes sense to share new, first-class school sport facilities with the wider community.

“The ten-year community use agreement with the two clubs effectively adds North Lakes State College’s main playing field to the Kinsellas Road sporting precinct.

“It’s an initiative that delivers new facilities for students including the College’s signature rugby program and confirms North Lakes as the Moreton Bay Region’s centre for community sport.”

North Lakes State College’s P and C has also invested $70,000 in the sport infrastructure upgrade. 

Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the $1 million upgrade at North Lakes State College was part of the State Government’s Active Community Infrastructure Program.

“This program specialises in building great sport and recreation infrastructure on school land for the benefit of students, as well as local not-for-profit sporting clubs,” said Minister Hinchliffe.

“North Lakes State College is one of six schools where we’re piloting the program.

“Part of our 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy commitment is the delivery of infrastructure that provides more opportunity for communities to stay active.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the program was successful in bringing schools and community sport together and noted “Schools and not-for-profit sport and active recreation clubs are the backbone of Queensland communities.

“Getting involved in sport helps young Queenslanders develop important life skills such as team work and resilience.”

North Lakes State College Executive Principal Katrina Larsen said the improved facilities will allow the school to build stronger ties with their community.

“Sport enables us to develop a greater sense of belonging and connection to our community by building strong bonds and creating a safer, healthier and happier environment,” said Larsen.

“The sporting groups who will initially use the facility are The Lakes and Mustangs Football clubs but we look forward to the potential for more sporting organisations to be involved.

“By incorporating the upgrading of the lighting of the oval in the project, it extends the hours that the facility can be used by the community.”

The Queensland Government’s $16 million Active Community Infrastructure program has funded 21 projects.

Image top: North Lakes oval courtesy Global Turf Projects; Image above: Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting officially opened new community sporting infrastructure at North Lakes State College