MEDIA RELEASE: SOUTHERN SUBURBS RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB

 

HON TERRI BUTLER MLA ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF DAVIES PARK

On Sunday,  Terri Butler MP announced that an Albanese Labor Government, if elected on

31 May, will commit $2 million for Souths to work with the Brisbane City Council (BCC) to plan for the future of the site, making sure it is retained as a community asset for the West End community.

 

This announcement supports the Club’s Davies Park Sustainability Project started in 2018. Through the State Labor Government, a grant was provided to identify the growing needs of the suburb, to design a redevelopment of the site currently not fit for purpose for either sport or recreation, and to ensure Souths remained the custodian of the site as they have been since formation in 1909.

 

Souths vision for the site is to ensure Davies Park becomes a sustainable community destination with increased accessible green space in harmony with sport and recreation in line with the original terms of the gifting of the park to the state, and that it should acknowledge the history of the traditional owners of the land, as their meeting place for over 60,000 thousand years.

The first phase of the design was achieved through direct consultation with the Lord Mayor’s office, the BCC’s community facilities and landscape team, along with Steve Dunn of Dunn and Moran Landscape architects. This phase involved works on Montague Road and on the river end of Souths number two oval.  To enable these works to be delivered, Souths released 4,500 square metres from its leased area.  The works included:

 

  • removal of contaminated soil
  • removal of volleyball courts
  • Installation of drainage to decrease the flooding on the Montague Road exit from the park
  • Removal of mounds to the number one oval
  • Demolition and relocation of the public toilet facilities within Souths leased area

 

  • to give clear vision to the river from the southern side of the park, and space for a new pathway connecting the park to the river
  • Completed works in this phase include a skate Park, village green, an upgraded entry/exit point all on Montague Road, a new basketball Court, and a new riverside adventure playground.

 

Concepts for the second phase include relocation of the existing community club and office facilities to higher ground on the northeast corner of the site.  The relocation will open vision to the river from Montague Road, increase accessible green space, allow upgrading of existing playing surfaces, and provide a flexible use site for the popular Davies Park Markets.  These concepts also include facilities for the local community, and sport and recreational aligned providers in the new building.

Souths project team chartered with bringing the project to fruition is chaired by Magpies great John Grant and includes Jim McClelland, Steve Dunn (Dunn and Moran landscape architects), Peter Gardiner (Peddle Thorpe Architects), Ben Lyons (Urbis Town planning), Damian Haber, Mal Meninga and Karyn Murphy.

Federal Member for Griffith, Hon Terri Butler MLA said “Davies Park is close to the heart of so many West Enders. We must ensure the long-term sustainability of this important community asset, and help to create a modern, accessible space for everyone to enjoy.

 

“I’m proud to have worked closely with the Souths Logan Magpies to progress these plans and secure investment from an Albanese Labor Government to kickstart this important work.”

In response, Souths CEO, Jim McClelland said “The $2 million commitment will increase momentum around the project and allow the project team to continue to work closely with the Lord Mayor’s Office, and State and Federal governments on bringing to life the remaining works.

“Our sincere thanks to Terri Butler, her team, and the Albanese Labor Government for your pledge and your long-term support of the Local community. It shows your very clear understanding of your electorate and your willingness to support and help drive change.”

 

 

Inquiries to:

Jim McClelland. CEO

M: 0412 655487

E: jim@southsloganmagpies.com