Browns Plains school and rugby club both benefit from sporting upgrades

As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s landmark Community Use of Schools Program, Browns Plains State School and Browns Plains Mets Rugby Union will both now use new sporting infrastructure built at the school.

More than $900,000 has been invested to install floodlights and build change rooms, toilets, a canteen and clubhouse.

At the school to officially open the facilities, Queensland Treasurer and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the innovative initiative is ensuring sports infrastructure in communities like Browns Plains are best utilised.

“What we’re doing with our Community Use of Schools Program pilot is unlocking gates and opening up facilities so more Queenslanders can benefit from our government’s significant infrastructure investments,” Mr Dick said.

“The Mets rugby club has entered into a 10-year partnership with Browns Plains State School, so a whole generation of players and students will get to run out under the lights and enjoy these brand new facilities.”

As Planning Minister, Mr Dick approved a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation for this project last July that helped streamline approvals to get construction workers on the ground faster.

“Construction continued despite the pandemic, keeping local tradies in work to ensure the facilities would be delivered by deadline,” he said.

“These types of projects have been vital for our COVID economic recovery, creating secure employment in Queensland communities during what’s been an incredibly turbulent time around the world.”

Minister for Education Grace Grace said schools are establishing partnerships with local sports and recreation clubs so both can access quality facilities.

“Through this program we’re showing that funding infrastructure based on shared facilities is a model that works,” Ms Grace said.

“Students will naturally build connections with their local sporting clubs, while the clubs themselves can cater for growing demand by utilising new training spaces.”

Browns Plains State School Principal Wuanita Meyrick said it’s a privilege to see the Mets Rugby Union Club, which has strong community ties, have its home ground and facilities at the school.

“Our long-term partnership will have a positive impact on our students, our families and our wider community,” Ms Meyrick said.

“As well as supporting the club, these facilities will allow our P&C to make use of our school oval for day or night events and fundraisers.”

Browns Plains Mets Junior Rugby Union Club President Denise Te Popo said it’s wonderful the club now finally has a secure, safe home for its young community.

“We can expand our training options, gain more members and host carnivals for rugby union, rugby sevens and other sports,” Ms Te Popo said.

“The canteen and clubhouse will allow us to stabilise financially to ensure lower fees for our children so they can enjoy the sports they love.”

This project was funded by the Palaszczuk Government ($832,102), Logan City Council ($50,000) and Browns Plains State School ($30,000).

Shailer Park State High School and Logan Basketball Association have also secured new facilities through the pilot program, with the school’s indoor sports hall undergoing a $1.53 million refurbishment.

Since 2015 the Palaszczuk Government has invested $384 million into sports and recreation to ensure more Queenslanders, particularly young Queenslanders, are enjoying active and healthy lifestyles.

This is part of the 10-year, $1.3 billion Activate! Queensland Strategy, which is investing in infrastructure and programs to enable more Queenslanders to lead active, healthy lives.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561