Green light for $11.5M Caboolture PCYC

A new $11.5 million PCYC, which will be up and running north of Brisbane by 2023, has the potential to be the breeding ground of Olympic gymnasts and boxers bound for the 2032 Games.

If all goes to plan a long promised $11.5 million PCYC, equipped with gymnastics and boxing facilities, will be up and running by the end of next year – making it the perfect breeding ground for 2032 Olympians.

The PCYC will be built on a vacant block of land at King St Caboolture, adjacent to the existing police state and district headquarters.

Plans to build the new facility were first put forward by Federal Labor candidate for Longman Susan Lamb during in 2019.

It prompted the Moreton Bay Regional Council to pledge $2.5 million towards the project.

Ms Lamb and the Labor Party were not elected though.

State Labor MP for Morayfield Mark Ryan revitalised the promise in the lead up to the 2020 State Election – promising to make the land at 152 King St available and chip in $4 million.

Once elected Mr Ryan then called on Federal LNP MP for Longman Terry Young to chip in the needed $5 million.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce; Federal Member for Longman Terry Young; MBRC Mayor Peter Flannery and PCYC QLD Acting CEO Mitch Ryder

Mr Young, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, announced today the Federal Government would be putting up the needed funds.

Mr Ryan said it was better late than never.

“After more than two years of delays by the Morrison LNP Government, it’s disappointing that it has taken so long for this funding to be provided. It is well known that the State Government and the Council have been financially committed to this project for years,” he said.

“To finally have funding from the Federal Government means that this project can now proceed as soon as the funding is received – which given the delays, I hope is very soon.”

The new facility will replace the existing 30-year-old PCYC on Toovey St.

A concept image of the $11.5M Caboolture PCYC.

Ageing facilities at the current site have hampered PCYC Caboolture’s service delivery and poor accessibility means a large number of potential participants do not attend sessions.

The new facility is better serviced by public transport and will enable the provision of high-priority crime prevention, youth development and social support programs for local residents.

The project will also deliver an economic boost for the Moreton Bay region, creating an estimated 83 jobs during construction and supporting an additional nine new jobs at the completed facility.

Caboolture PCYC has a strong history of boxing. Photo: AAP Image/Renae Droop

PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mitch Ryder said PCYC Caboolture supports more than 1,000 members and families through activities such as gymnastics, boxing and martial arts, and youth development programs.

While plans are still being finalised Mr Ryder said the Caboolture PCYC would offer gymnastics and boxing classes.

There is also an option of it providing a kindergarten service in the future.

Mr Ryder said all going to plan PCYC hoped to have the facility open by 2023.

Mr Young said the new facility would help meet the demand for expanded service delivery at PCYC Caboolture.

“This is fantastic news for locals. The current PCYC building is no longer fit for purpose, it is more than 30 years old and has become too small for its growing membership,” Mr Young said.

There is a long wait list of children keen to try the Caboolture PCYC gymnastics and trampolining programs. Brodie Thompson from Phoenix Trampoline Club at Caboolture PCYC – Picture: Richard Walker

“I can remember taking my kids there in the 1990s when Dale Hennessy was in charge.

“When the new PCYC is constructed, I have no doubt that it will become an incredibly important facility for our community.

“It is something I’ve fought hard for since being elected and I’d like to thank everyone who signed my petition to help get this funding.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said PCYC facilities play a vital role in shaping the lives of Australians each day.

“PCYC facilities are a staple in towns all over Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Our Government is focused on funding and delivering projects that will improve regional towns and communities, and the people who call them home.”