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Sports-mad Samford scores in $1.7m ace
A major boost to sporting infrastructure is on its way for Samford as part of a $1.7 million package announced today to help drive the local tourism economy and healthy lifestyles.
On the back of Moreton Bay Regional Council's first-ever meeting in Samford earlier this year, Mayor Peter Flannery said council had acted quickly in response to residents calls to continue investing in tourism-generating facilities, and would now build another two tennis courts at the popular Samford Parklands and overhaul the Samford Stags home turf at Alan Cash Park, awarding tenders for both projects today.
"You spoke, we listened and we're taking action," Mayor Flannery said.
"Not only does this provide new facilities for locals, but it also will attract tennis and rugby league players to the area, who will then spend dollars at our local cafes, restaurants and shops.
"It's the type of project that has multiple benefits: jobs during construction, better sporting facilities for the community and attractions that will bring in more dollars to the local economy.
"Investing in our sporting facilities is a key pillar of our record $743 million budget alongside delivering better roads, more open spaces and jobs for the region as we come out of COVID-19."
Division 11 Councillor Darren Grimwade said with funding locked in and tenders announced, shovels would hit the ground on the footy field upgrade this month, with the tennis upgrades to get underway in January.
"As a long-time supporter of the Stags, I know they've been waiting eagerly to revamp their hallowed turf," Cr Grimwade said.
"We've definitely come a long way from the rough and tumble fields of 30 years ago, and this field upgrade for the Stags will make sure their facilities are up to scratch.
"I also know just how popular tennis has become in the valley, with families flocking to the parklands almost every day, booking up the existing six courts.
"Come next year, tennis players will have two new courts to serve up some aces on while our league players will be giving it their all on a new training area with LED lighting and irrigation, and there will be a new retaining wall seating area at the club house."
Both councillors acknowledged $650,000 in funding from the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said the outcome of both better community facilities in Samford and jobs for the region was exactly why the Federal Government established the COVID-19 funding program.
"The Morrison Government has delivered fantastic outcomes for our community, not only creating local jobs but also delivering much-needed road and facilities upgrades," Mr Dutton said.
"Every single job makes a difference to our economic recovery and these upgrades will be of enormous benefit to both the Samford Stags and the Tennis Club as they seek to grow numbers and increase participation locally."
Mayor Flannery said following the success of the Samford meeting, council would next year host its next town hall at Woodford and encouraged residents in the community to come forward with their ideas.
"We're keen to hear what you're passionate about, and what ideas you might have to help us improve your community," Mayor Flannery said.
"What we've been able to achieve in just a couple of months after of the Samford meeting shows what can happen when we host these events."
For more information on the projects, or the upcoming town hall at Woodford head to www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
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