Piggabeen Sports Complex to go ahead

MAJOR UPGRADES to the Piggabeen Sports Complex are set to get underway this year after the NSW Government announced it will throw its support behind the long-awaited project.

Piggabeen Sports Complex is home to Australia’s oldest provincial rugby league club the famous Tweed Seagulls, with past players including Wally Lewis, Nathanael Barnes, current head coach David Penna and many more. The funding, announced on site by Member for Tweed Geoff Provest in conjunction with Tweed Seagulls Rugby League Football Club and Tweed Shire Council, will allow works on stage one of the upgrade to begin later this year. Stage one works include upgrades to the entryway, new LED lighting for three sports fields, upgrades to field surfaces, drainage, irrigation and a new playground.

A $600,000 grant from the NSW Department of Planning – stage two Regional Housing Fund Infrastructure Projects fund will allow Council to deliver elements of the first stage of its Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan Project. An additional $1.68 million granted to Tweed

Seagulls RLFC through the NSW Government’s Office of Sport – Multi-Sport Community Facility Funding will be used to complete additional elements of the Masterplan.

Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith welcomed the funding for the project.

“This venue is a vital piece of infrastructure for the sporting community in Tweed Heads West and is well-used and loved by the wider community,” Mr Smith said.

“Council is grateful for the funding to upgrade the facility so we can provide an improved and more functional space for local clubs and residents to use.”

Tweed Seagulls CEO Matt Francis thanked all stakeholders, saying the funding would help secure Seagulls’ future as a pathways club to the NRL.

“Over the past three years we’ve worked closely with Council on the development of a Masterplan for Piggabeen that has been instrumental in us seeking funding with Geoff’s support,” Mr Francis said.

“This process has involved community consultation as well as the support of our governing bodies and game partners including the NRL, QRL and our affiliate, the Gold Coast Titans.

“Tweed Seagulls is also indebted to the unwavering support of the Norths Collective through Seagulls Club where the commitment to rugby league is underpinned by our shared values to make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Mr Provest announced almost $1.7 million in funding under the NSW Government’s MultiSport Facility Fund to expand the facility to three upgraded fields, provide a community playground and increase broader community usage.

“Tweed Seagulls have a proud history in the sport, but it is also their commitment to the broader community that will enable more local residents to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” Mr Provest said.

Stage one is expected to take approximately six months to complete, weather permitting.