Adrian Schrinner’s million-dollar pledge to save sports clubs thousands

A re-elected LNP council has committed to upgrading facilities at sporting grounds and parks across the city. SEE THE LIST

The LNP council will spend $1.8 million to replace halogen lights with energy efficient and higher quality LED lights at seven Brisbane parks used by 11 sporting clubs, if re-elected.

The administration estimates the lighting upgrade will save each community sports club involved up to $4000 per year on their electricity bills.

The LED bulbs will reduce carbon emissions per location by 70 per cent. This amounts to 11.5 tonnes of CO2 per location, equivalent to emissions from an average Brisbane household in a year.

Incumbent LNP Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner pictured at a mayoral candidate debate. Picture, John Gass

The planned upgraded lighting locations are:

• Mitchelton Park, Mitchelton – home to West Mitchelton Rugby League Football Club

• Keperra Picnic Ground Park, Ferny Grove – home to Ferny Grove Districts Cricket Club and Ferny Grove and Districts Junior Australian Football Club

• Giffin Park, Coorparoo – home to Coorparoo Juniors Australian Football Club and Coorparoo Senior Australian Football Club

• Gibson Park – represented by the Gibson Park Committee and home to Stafford District Cricket Club, Padua College and Brothers Junior Rugby League Club

• Bill Cash Memorial Park, Cannon Hill – home to Southside Eagles Football Club

• Leyshon Park, Yeronga – home to Yeronga Eagles Football Club

• D.M. Henderson Park, home to Sunnybank – home to MacGregor Netball Association

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this policy was designed to help address the city’s increasing demand for sports facilities.

“Helping clubs reduce their costs means they can concentrate more on what they do best – keeping residents of all ages healthy and happy,” he said.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner with his Team Schrinner.

“Our Better Sports Lighting Program will help clubs keep the lights on, reduce their energy bills and cut their maintenance costs.

“This initiative won’t just reduce the cost of playing sport, it will help Brisbane continue to be clean and sustainable.”

Mr Schrinner has also previously promised cash grants for security upgrades at Brisbane sports and community clubs, if re-elected.

An initial $500,000 would be invested for each of the first two years of the scheme, and future funding assessed based on demand.

Grants of up to $10,000 will be available for security screens, CCTV cameras, alarm systems, improved locks, and patrol services.

Mr Schrinner guaranteed at least 50 grants would be awarded in the first 12 months.

Labor lord mayoral candidate Tracey Price previously committed to abolishing the council’s existing Olympic advisory committee and redirecting the $250,000 annual cost towards improving women’s facilities at local sport clubs.

Ms Price, who made the announcement in January at Zillmere Eagles AFL club in Brisbane’s north, said the committee cost would be far better invested in the community.

“There are community sporting facilities across our city who need upgrades,” she said at the time.

“Some clubs don’t even have female change rooms and we see females getting changed in their cars, they use the male toilets, or use the backrooms.”