Tweed sports precinct unveiled

TWEED Shire Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on the plans for the new Kings Forest sport and recreation facilities.

The Depot Road Sports Precinct Master Plan proposes the development of the eight-hectare site into a high-quality sporting hub, providing much-needed open space for AFL, touch football, Oztag and other activities, with work to begin in 2026.

Tweed Shire Council Manager of Parks and Active Communities, Murray Smith, said participation in AFL had grown by 63 per cent since 2019.

“And we know the demand for touch football and Oztag is increasing,” Smith said.

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

The draft master plan outlines a 10-year vision for the precinct, with proposed facilities including two AFL-standard ovals, multi-use rectangular fields for touch football and Oztag, multi-purpose hard courts for netball and pickleball, and sports lighting for all playing surfaces.

A clubhouse with amenities, storage and viewing areas will be constructed, as will a youth precinct with elements such as a pump track, skate park, wild play area and a parkour zone.

The proposal also outlines an active travel network, with pedestrian and cycle connections, car parking and vehicle drop-off areas and a fenced off-leash dog area.

Tweed Shire mayor Chris Cherry said the precinct would cater to the region’s growing population and increasing demand for sports infrastructure.

“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,” Cr Cherry said.

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

The project’s $6.23 million funding comprises $4.73 million from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund and $1.5 million from Tweed Shire Council’s Developer Contributions scheme.

The existing funding will deliver the initial phase of the project, and additional facilities such as the youth precinct and secondary oval will be delivered in later stages depending on the next-stage grant applications.

Residents can submit their feedback from April 2 to May 7 by visiting yoursaytweed.com.au/depot-road .