Council approves works at Judy Holt Reserve

Redland City Council will inject up to $150,000 into Judy Holt Reserve in Birkdale as part of its Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Recovery Program.

Mayor Karen Williams said the works, set to start next month, were part of Council’s recovery program to assist clubs recover from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know our local sports and recreation clubs are part of our social fabric, which is why we are investing $981,100 to help locals get back to doing what they love,” Cr Williams said.

“As part of our COVID recovery package Judy Holt Reserve will receive a lighting capacity upgrade, erosion management works, six replacement goal posts, help to progress new player shelters and a tap will be installed to help with manual irrigation of the rugby fields.

“The Redlands Multisports Club clubhouse at Judy Holt will benefit from building refurbishments.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracy Huges said the Judy Holt Reserves’ electrical works and erosion management would start as early as this month, with other activities expected to be completed by June 2021.

“The electrical works will improve lighting to ensure uninterrupted night games and activities, while erosion management and drainage works will see the garden behind the Redlands Rugby Union clubhouse stay put during and after heavy rain,” she said.

“Judy Holt is home to great local clubs who support community health and wellbeing and this investment shows our commitment to helping these clubs, players and committees.”

Redlands Rugby Union Club President Keith Taylor said these operational works were most welcome.

“Our club’s partnership with Council is vital to our success and this investment will help us bounce back from what has been a trying year,” he said.

Redlands Multisports Club President Colin Apps said the club was delighted to receive Council’s support.

“On behalf of our members, I’d like to thank Councillor Huges for her strong advocacy and look forward to the works beginning,” he said.

Cr Williams said Council’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Recovery Program was in addition to the previously announced $3 million COVID recovery package adopted as part of this year’s Budget.

“Already local businesses and community groups have benefited from about $370,000 from our COVID recovery package and now our great local sports clubs and associations will benefit from this additional funding,” Cr Williams said.

“The State Government had previously committed funding to the club for new goal posts and Council has worked with the department to allow the club to now use the State funding for another purpose while Council replaces the goal posts as part of our city-wide replacement program.

“Thanks to the State Department for working with Council to support this request, which will help the club do more with their funding.”