Following the opening of the Petersen Road Sports Ground in Caboolture last July, the Rob Akers Reserve has also been upgraded. The Pine Rivers Swans Australian Football Club unveiled a $3.1-million upgrade at the reserve, a move that will hopefully increase women’s participation in the sport, particularly in light of the success of the Matildas on the international stage.
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Supporting women in sport
In a move that local officials said will bring “… a 50-year-old club into the 21st century,” the upgrades at Rob Akers Reserve, which include a new clubhouse and change rooms, have been made possible thanks to joint funding from the council, the State Government and AFL Queensland.
“We want to be able to give everyone a go, no matter what your ability or background, and we’re doing that by providing the best possible community sports facilities for our residents to enjoy,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.
Mr Flannery highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting women’s sport, noting that Moreton Bay has been delivering vital infrastructure to support women’s sports for year.
He noted that the city has opened nine sports facilities with unisex changing facilities in the last 18 months. This includes hosting the 2022 NRLW Grand Final and building a new home for the Brisbane Roar Women.
Petersen Road Sports Ground launched in July
Together with the Caboolture Sports Club, Council also provided support for a $6.4-million upgrade of Petersen Road Sports Ground in the second quarter of 2023.
The new clubhouse, tiered seating and viewing decks will benefit the nearly 2,000 local players who use the ground.
Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the upgrade would encourage more women and girls to play rugby and touch football.
“Right now, Queensland is witnessing phenomenal growth in the number of females getting involved in sport, including traditionally male-dominated codes.”
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The upgrades will provide modern, inclusive facilities to support the region’s growing demand for sporting participation. Taken together, the new facilities represent a major boost for women’s sport in Moreton Bay.
“We want to see more Queenslanders staying active and healthy as part of a lasting community sport legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
Published 30 August 2023
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay
