Byron Shire Council has officially welcomed the Northern Rivers office of AFL Queensland to the Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex.
The new partnership saw a five year lease and licence signed and included an AFL Queensland $80,000 investment in goals and nets for the fields.
Mayor Simon Richardson greeted the high profile sporting code and welcomed AFL Queensland CEO Michael Conlan and his team to the BRSCC.
AFL Queensland held a two day conference for their staff this week and Mayor Richardson was on site to show them through the building and grounds.
“Our region is known for its outdoor sporting lifestyle and I have no doubt that it will become a strong development ground for a new generation of footballers.
“The local young AFL supporters I’ve spoken to are pumped. To have a major sporting code based in our region is fantastic. It’s good for the sport and mentoring of our youth, and hopefully will bring some great spectator games for locals and visitors,” he said.
Mr Conlan said the move would provide great benefits for the local AFL and sports communities.
“Our investment at BRSCC will provide a top-quality training and football education facility that will greatly enhance our talent and participation programs for residents of both Byron Shire and the greater Northern Rivers region,” he said.
“Byron Shire Council has been very supportive in recent months, and we look forward to a long and rewarding partnership at BRSCC”.
Mayor Richardson went on to comment that “it’s exciting times at the BRSCC.”
“The new direct management model is a turning point for the complex and has allowed the opportunity for groups to take up residence at the facility. We look forward to welcoming other groups,” he said.
Recent work on the southern sports fields at the BRSCC is also establishing well. The grounds have had new drainage works including the removal of the top two centimeters of soil, top dressed with coarse sand and watered to establish the new growing turf.
