Mitchelton Football Club’s new synthetic pitch is almost ready for play, after the old pitch was destroyed during the February 2022 floods in Brisbane.
The old synthetic playing surface was destroyed with rubber underlay and sand ballast lifting and rippling during the floods (see image below). Club equipment was lost, and many of the playing fields needed rehabilitation after flooding from Kedron Brook. The clubhouse’s roof also needed replacing.
Installing the new synthetic pitch included gluing and pinning the surface to lock-in edges and seams to make the field more resilient to future extreme weather.
“There’s no doubt we took an enormous hit when the flood waters swept through here last year, but the resilience of the members and supporters has shone through,” stated Mitchelton Football Club president Rowan Hall.
“Of course, the support from every level of government has been outstanding and we will not only get back on our feet to the level we were before the flood, we will have a much better facility for the community to enjoy.”
Almost $3 million has been invested in Mitchelton Football Club’s recovery by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments under the joint Community Recreational Assets Recovery & Resilience Program (CRARRP). Brisbane City Council has contributed an additional $1.2 million to the club’s recovery.
“It’s great to see communities bouncing back after the floods, and wonderful that Queenslanders can get back out and use these amazing facilities,” stated Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt.
“The extent of the damage to the playing field after the floods was truly gobsmacking, and to see it in all its glory today is a great result.
Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said the investment in the club from both the Federal and State government was beneficial to the local community.
“This club is more than a host to games, it’s an intrinsic part of the community where friends are made and kids and adults alike reap the mental and physical benefits of sport.
“I’m proud that the Federal and State Governments have provided almost three million dollars to rebuild facilities at Mitchelton and help the people of Lilley revel in their passion for sport.”
State Sport Miniser Stirling Hinchcliffe reiterated the importance of Mitchelton Football Club to its local community.
“Mitchelton Football Club has been an important part of this community for more than a century and we’re keen see that continue for at least another 100 years.”
Most repair and replacement work at Mitchelton Football Club is due for completion by kick-off for the 2024 football season.