$3.9 million Kingscliff sports complex upgrade opens after Covid, flood delays

Build it and they will shine - that’s the belief behind a mega upgrade to a much loved Tweed sports complex. Here’s how it will deliver for the community.

Mayor Chris Cherry, Tweed MP Geoff Provest and councillor James Owen cut the ribbon at the opening of the revamped Kingscliff Sports Complex. Photo: Supplied

A $3.9 million upgrade to the Kingscliff Regional Sports Complex will bring sorely needed facilities to the community including a canteen, public toilets, change rooms for men and women and a meeting room.

The facility was due to hit the tarmac last year, but the flood and the pandemic delayed finishing touches to the projects, which was officially opened this week.

The upgrade includes transformed sports fields that can now host football, rugby league, athletics and cricket.

The improvements mean clubs will have the ability to host regional and state tournaments as well as carnivals.

Mayor Chris Cherry, Tweed MP Geoff Provest and councillor James Owen cut the ribbon at the opening of the revamped Kingscliff Sports Complex. Photo: Supplied

Tweed Shire mayor Chris Cherry said the facilities make sporting dreams a possibility for regional kids in small communities.

“Many local clubs and players have already reaped the benefits of this upgraded facility since it was completed – we are thrilled to deliver this to the people of the Tweed,” Ms Cherry said.

“Sports are often at the heart of the community … having a purpose-built complex for kids, families and adults to come together to play, be active and healthy is so important.”

Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the upgrade took into account the growing number of women’s sports teams, and the need to provide adequate change rooms.

The upgrade includes a canteen, public toilets and meeting room, with change rooms for men and women at the northern end of the complex. Photo: Supplied

“The women’s teams need the same access to shower facilities and change rooms as the men’s teams and this project delivered that,” Mr Provest said.

Kingscliff District Football Club president Gillian Austin said the significant funding contribution reflects a clear commitment for sport in the area.

“The flow-on effects of the upgraded facilities have allowed us to pursue the promotion of senior teams to a higher competition, which is turn offers exciting development opportunities for our young players coming through – so we are very pleased with the results,” she said.