27 June 2021
Published 09 November 2020
Moreton Bay is squaring up for a conversion to make this Queensland’s rugby league heartland, pulling out the big guns to start works on the $13.85 million Griffin Sports Complex.
League Legend Petero Civoniceva today turned the first sod to start construction, with Mayor Peter Flannery, Cr Jodie Shipway (Div 4) and North Lakes Kangaroos President William Ingram.
“It might not look like much now, but this 90-hectare site is set to transform into a sporting, recreational and environmentally protected precinct for all to enjoy, from families to native flora and fauna,” Mayor Flannery said.
“This start-of-the-art facility will support the growth of rugby league in Moreton Bay, complementing the recent $24 million upgrade to Dolphin Stadium and in turn a hopeful NRL licence.
“It’s an investment in jobs, employing more than 150 people during construction, and an investment in the local lifestyle.
“I’ve said it before, I believe our region can become Queensland’s leading sports destination – today is another step in that direction.”
Councillor Jodie Shipway said this milestone was very exciting for both Griffin and North Lakes residents and the wider Moreton Bay community.
“Building this facility is absolutely critical to take pressure off the Kinsellas Sports Complex which is already at capacity with over 1,500 football and rugby league players taking to the field each week,” Cr Shipway said.
“This new precinct will be a fantastic facility for the North Lakes Kangaroos, who have been patiently awaiting a new home to support their exploding membership base.
“It will include two full size fields and one-half size field, a club house with amenities, field lighting and irrigation, a new access road off Henry Road and more than 150 carparking spaces.”
Petero Civoniceva said times had changed since he grew up in Redcliffe.
“I remember as a kid running through unkept fields in bare feet and getting bindies stuck in our toes,” he said.
“I’m blown away by the standard of facilities in Moreton Bay Region and the love that clubs are putting into nurturing such a happy, family-oriented sports culture.
“It’s why I’m always so happy to come back here and really excited to see what this facility in Griffin will become in time.”
North Lakes Kangaroos President William Ingram said it was an essential facility in a community with a growing population and ever-increasing passion for rugby league.
“We at north lakes kangaroos are excited to have a state-of-the-art football facility to call home, somewhere we can expand our young club into a place for all members of the community to enjoy,” he said.
“Our club has 20 sides at the moment and hope to double that in the coming years as the area grows.”
Council has been in close conversations with the Kabi Kabi traditional custodians to help develop and plan the site in a way that is both culturally sensitive and respectful to the land.
The environment around the clubhouse precinct will be restored to its natural values through the restoration and regeneration of unused flood immune land.