AusLeisure

The Tweed Shire community is being invited by Council to deliver feedback on plans for sport and recreation facilities to be developed at Kings Forest.

The Depot Road Sports Precinct Master Plan outlines proposed developments at the eight hectare site which will transform the area into a high-quality sporting hub, providing much-needed open space for AFL, touch football, Oztag and other community activities.

The draft master plan outlines a 10-year vision for the precinct, with proposed facilities including:

• Two AFL-standard ovals (one full-sized for senior competition, one slightly smaller for junior and regional games)
• Multi-use rectangular fields for touch football and Oztag
• Multi-purpose hard courts for netball and pickleball
• A clubhouse with amenities, storage and viewing areas
• Sports lighting for both ovals and hard courts
• A youth precinct, which could include elements such as a pump track, skate park, wild play area and parkour zone
• An active travel network, with pedestrian and cycle connections
• Car parking and vehicle drop-off areas
• A fenced off-leash dog area
• Environmental buffer zones, including stormwater management and wetland protection measures.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the precinct will cater to the region’s growing population and increasing demand for sports infrastructure and noted “with Kingscliff and surrounding areas expecting a significant population increase, this facility will provide local residents with more opportunities to play sport and stay active.

The master plan aligns with the Tweed Shire Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023-2033, ensuring the development meets current and future community needs.

Murray Smith, Manager of Parks and Active Communities at Tweed Shire Council added “Participation in AFL has grown by 63% since 2019 and we know demand for touch football and Oztag is increasing.

“Depot Road will help address the shortfalls created by this growth, while also delivering modern and accessible facilities for the entire community.”

The site’s elevated position will reduce the impact of wet weather on playability, while its design will integrate with surrounding developments and protect nearby wetlands.

Council has secured $6.23 million in funding for this project, including $4.73 million from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund and $1.5 million from Tweed Shire Council’s Developer Contributions.

This funding will deliver the initial phase of the project, which may include (as funding allows).

• Detailed design
• Construction of the main field
• Sports lighting for the main field
• Stage 1 of a clubhouse/amenities building
• Car parking
• Multi-use courts and pickleball courts
• Initial landscaping

Additional facilities, such as the youth precinct and secondary oval, may be delivered in later stages depending on further funding opportunities.

Construction is expected to commence in 2026, pending approvals.

The draft master plan is now on public exhibition until 7th May 2025. Council invites residents to have their say on the draft master plan by making a submission at www.yoursaytweed.com.au/depot-road

Image. Birds eye view of Depot Road Sports Precinct looking north across the main oval with the clubhouse and hard courts in the background.

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