The Southern Moreton Bay Community will be home to a multi-million-dollar sporting facility with the Russell Island Sport and Recreation Park opening on Thursday (17 October).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, who will officially open the $2 million first stage of the facility, said the site boasts a number of sporting fields for the community.

“This much needed community resource is fantastic news for the whole Southern Moreton Bay Island community,” she said.

“It will create a social hub that encourages healthy activity and fosters community networks by providing for a wide range of interests.

“It boasts a number of sporting fields catering for a range of football codes, four multipurpose tennis courts with markings to accommodate two netball and two basketball courts and lighting to allow night time use.

“Thanks to the free inter-island transport available to all SMBI residents through TransLink services, all bay island residents will be able to enjoy this fantastic facility.”

Councillor for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (Division 5) Mark Edwards said the sport and recreation park would enrich the whole community and complement existing community infrastructure.

“This facility services all SMBI islands and supports existing community infrastructure including the public swimming pool, community garden, multipurpose hall and local schools,” he said.

“The site will become a home for local sport, recreation and community groups to train and compete, as well as being the central venue for community events and gatherings.

“This will help enhance the already strong sense of community of the SMBIs and promote positive behaviour and a safe environment for all.”

Stage one of the sport and recreation park was co-funded by Council and State Government and Cr Williams and Cr Edwards will be joined by Melanie Rodrigues, State Government Sport and Recreation Director of Infrastructure Planning and Development for the official opening.

Cr Edwards said construction on the second stage of the project, to be co-funded by Council and the Federal Government, would commence in early 2014.

“The project will include the construction of a clubhouse and amenities block, which will also function as a resilience training centre and evacuation and recovery facility for the islands in the event of a disaster,” he said.

“In addition to the enormous social and physical benefits, the completion of stage two will provide significant economic and employment benefits to the SMBI and wider Redlands community.”

Event details:
The official opening will commence at 3pm with the Mayor and State Government representatives unveiling a commemorative plaque.

A range of sporting activities will then be held from 3.45 – 5pm including a Tennis Queensland ‘Hot Shots’ clinic and community tennis session, a junior soccer game, netball and rugby league activities. All children and residents are welcome to attend.

Location:         Russell Island Sport and Recreation Park
23 Nicholas Street
Russell Island