Grassroots football clubs across Logan could take over fields at Meakin Park after Logan City Council backed an open contest for the grounds currently leased to Football Queensland, with mayor Jon Raven arguing the city’s future Socceroos and Matildas needed space to play.
“I’m confident that we have future Socceroos and Matildas right here in Logan,” Cr Raven said.
“But we need to make sure these fields are available to unearth that talent, especially in the lead-up to 2032.”
Councillors voted on Wednesday 14 October to invite expressions of interest for the leases, which expire on 4 February 2029.
The leases cover the clubhouse, Fields 1–3 and Mappas Oval.
Councillors also raised the prospect of sharing management between several organisations.
Cr Raven said expressions of interest were expected to open early next year.
Football Queensland’s current leases remain unchanged and it can apply alongside other eligible organisations.
“Of course, Football Queensland are welcome to participate in the EOI process and put their best foot forward,” Cr Raven said.
“At the end of the day, Meakin Park belongs to the Logan community.”
The move follows council’s rejection of Football Queensland’s proposed $75 million football hub and concerns about local clubs’ access to the fields.
Cr Raven described Meakin Park as Logan’s biggest football facility but also one of the most underused.
“What I hear consistently from local clubs, players and community members is that they want more access to the fields,” he said.
“Almost every time I drive past Meakin Park, whether it’s during the week, in the evenings or on weekends, the fields are empty.
“That’s something council has a responsibility to consider when we’re talking about the future of the precinct.”
Cr Raven said future arrangements could allow more local clubs to train and play at Meakin Park, alongside more community football, tournaments and events.
“We’ll be talking with the community as part of the expression of interest process so we can better understand what they want to see at Meakin Park and make sure any future arrangements reflect those priorities,” he said.
Cr Teresa Lane described the access discussed at an earlier meeting as quite minimal and extraordinarily disappointing.
Councillors agreed to seek community views before opening applications.
Cr Mindy Russell questioned whether the facility’s large size meant only a small number of organisations would be capable of running it.
“Is there a possibility and has it been considered for it to be divided into multiple facilities rather than one large one?” she asked.
Council officer Ben O’Bree said the process could consider different management models and innovative ideas from the community.
Cr Scott Bannan backed exploring shared management and hit back at suggestions that opposing Football Queensland’s earlier lease request showed councillors did not support football.
He said he had met Sports Minister Tim Mander about the proposal, which sought a 25-year extension with a further 25 years.
“I didn’t just blindly vote for it,” he said.
“We went and sat down with the Minister for Sport … and there was no guarantee of the 70 million.
“And it turns out we copped a bit of grief from Football Queensland on making that decision.”
Cr Bannan also pointed to opposition from more than 100 clubs over Football Queensland’s proposed fee changes, criticising what he called “the ridiculous fees that they’re charging”.
Cr Tony Hall defended Football Queensland’s record as a tenant and opposed the new process.
“I believe that this is not fair for Football Queensland,” he said.
Cr Hall said he had not received complaints by email from football clubs in his area.
“I have not received one single email,” he said.
Cr Bannan challenged the comment, saying he believed a club in Hall’s division had signed the petition [requesting Football Australia investigate the reasons for Football Queensland’s fee hike].
Cr Raven ruled Hall’s comment was not misleading, distinguishing between clubs complaining elsewhere and emailing their councillor.
Bethania Rams, based in Hall’s Division 6, has publicly shared the petition, stating: “The proposed changes to Football Queensland fees have raised serious concerns.”
Football Queensland announced on 16 October it would not introduce its new fee structure, instead retaining its existing structure for 2027, with adjustments for inflation and transaction and technology costs, following consultation.
Cr Lisa Bradley also voted against the Meakin Park motion, while Cr Miriam Stemp and Cr Natalie Willcocks abstained.
Cr Raven said his goal was to see Meakin Park “buzzing with activity”.
“We want to see more people using the facility, greater grassroots participation and more opportunities for local players,” he said.
“At the end of the day, we want to see more people using Meakin Park, not less.”
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