Browns Plains State School and Browns Plains Mets Rugby Union are about to share a new sporting facility at the school.
The state government has been embarking on a plan to help schools and clubs share new sporting infrastructure.
In this case, more than $900,000 has been invested to install floodlights and build change rooms, toilets, a canteen and clubhouse.
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.”
At the school to officially open the facilities, Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said: “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.
“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.
Education Minister Grace 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.”
