sport
Sunshine Coast Sports Infrastructure Expands to Handle Rising Local Demand
Council-funded upgrades at key venues are giving clubs and athletes better access to training and competition spaces.
How we reported this
The Sunshine Coast Council finished a $4.2 million redevelopment of the Maroochydore Sports Precinct on June 28, adding two new synthetic fields and upgraded lighting along Maroochy Boulevard.
Participation in organised sport across the region rose 18 percent between 2023 and 2025, according to council figures released last month. The increase has put pressure on existing ovals and courts, especially during peak winter seasons when rugby league, soccer and netball share limited space.
Named venues receiving upgrades
The Kawana Sports Complex on Sports Drive now includes a resurfaced athletics track and two additional change rooms that opened for use on July 1. Further north, the Caloundra Indoor Stadium on Bulcock Street received new air-conditioning units and an expanded seating area for spectators, with work completed in late May. Both sites sit within walking distance of major bus routes, reducing travel time for families from Buderim and Sippy Downs.
Local clubs report clearer booking calendars and fewer cancellations due to weather since the synthetic surfaces were installed at Maroochydore. The council has allocated another $1.8 million in the 2026-27 budget for lighting upgrades at the same precinct, scheduled to begin in October.
Next steps for residents and clubs
Bookings for the new fields at Maroochydore and Kawana open online through the council portal from July 15. Clubs seeking grants for equipment storage or junior programs can apply until August 31, with decisions expected by mid-September. Residents wanting to view the completed works can attend a free open day at the Maroochydore precinct on July 20 between 10am and 2pm.