Ipswich Council has approved a further $6.5 million of a total of $30 million in funding commitments to repair and rebuild sports club amenities a year after the devastating floods in South-East Queensland. More than 100 fields impacted by floods in February and May 2022 are back up and running but the significant task of repairing damaged club facilities is ongoing.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said there was widespread flood damage to community sporting facilities including fields, courts, tracks and clubhouses used by clubs, teams and young athletes across the LGA.
“Council provides maintenance for fields and courts spread over 31 venues, dozens of which were impacted and unplayable for several weeks once floodwaters had receded and council crews could assess the extent of the damage,” Harding said.
As part of council’s flood recovery program, $30 million has been allocated this financial year to support residents, businesses, clubs and community groups that are still struggling to bounce back or return to full capacity.
Recovery efforts to support local sporting clubs are now about repairing and upgrading damaged facilities, with improving flood resilience to make sure replaced facilities can better withstand future floods a key focus, she said. Council recently approved a contract for almost $6.5 million to ensure the repairs to the sports amenities get underway as soon as possible.
“This money will be spent on places like Kippen Park in Goodna. The canteen and change rooms were destroyed by flood but will now be rebuilt so the Western Spirit Football Club can get back enjoying games and fundraising through their canteen,” she said,
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said flood impacted Evan Marginson Park is home to Goodna Netball Association, Goodna Gladiators Rugby Union and many aspiring athletes.
“The refit of Goodna Netball’s clubhouse and canteen included pressure cleaning of walls, internal demolition works, painting, replacing electrical and plumbing services, reinstating hot water systems and installation of stainless-steel benches to mitigate future flood damage,” he said.
“On the other side of the park, Goodna Gladiators Rugby Union Club’s changerooms and amenities also received a comprehensive council-funded pressure wash clean and resilience upgrades such as replacing timber cabinetry with stainless steel in their first-aid room.”
The remaining works at Goodna Netball Association will focus on replacing the roof of their canteen and clubhouse facilities.
Council expects it may take 18 to 24 months post-flood to have most local parks, facilities and recreation reserves open.