20 July 2021
Published 15 September 2020
It’s the first shot towards a North Lakes netball dream coming true, with Council starting earthworks at Aurora Boulevard Park today.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Council was getting on with the job, starting carpark construction today.
“Come 2022 you’ll be able to see the North Lakes Blues in action on the home courts of their brand-new club facilities,” he said.
“These initial $375,000 works will pay for a substantial increase in off street car parking, lighting, pedestrian footpaths and landscaping, which is just the start of a much larger project.
“I believe it’s critical that we get this project underway so the club can start planning their 2022 season, and Council can help keep our local economy ticking along.
“North Lakes is a burgeoning suburb of Moreton Bay and I’ve repeatedly said how important it is that we make sure our infrastructure keeps pace with population growth, so I’m very excited to see works starting.”
Once the carpark is complete it will pave the way for four new training courts, which will use the existing field lighting to train at night, and a new amenities building to call home.
Petrie MP Luke Howarth said the Federal Government’s $1 million contribution will be forthcoming.
“This money will fund the new club facilities for the North Lakes Blues netball club so they can help give even more young girls and boys a start in sport,” he said.
“This is a much-needed facility and with space at a premium in North Lakes, it’s great to see more sporting infrastructure being built in our community.
“Coronavirus has been a reminder of how important it is to lead an active life, for both your body and mind, so I can’t wait for this precinct to open.”
North Lakes Blues president Samantha Malopito said the club was excited to see the first steps taken to delivering their dream new home.
“It’s so great to see Council getting on with these works, which we hope will form an exciting new home for netball to grow with the community,” she said.
“We’re excited to watch it take shape over the coming months and we’re so thankful for both Council and Federal Government for their contributions. We appreciate the lengths they’ve gone to work closely with us over the past two years to make sure our specific needs were met with this facility.
“We’ve had a great deal of support from the existing sports clubs who use the precinct, which has been pivotal to getting to this point, and I look forward to building a greater sports community for all.”
Division 4 councillor Jodie Shipway said North Lakes was shaping up as the sporting hub of Moreton Bay.
“Demand for netball is huge here so I’m thrilled the North Lakes Blues will finally have a local home,” she said.
“Council is investing $13.85 million into the nearby Griffin Sports Complex which will be the new home for Kangaroos Rugby League Club.
“We’re also increasing our local playground infrastructure and pedestrian networks in North Lakes and Mango Hill, thanks to Works for Queensland funding.”