New leases support growth of local football clubs

Fraser Coast football clubs will have more certainty to plan for the future under lease agreements approved by Council today (Wednesday 27 August 2025).

United Warriors Football Club in Hervey Bay will take formal tenure of its long-time home ground on Tavistock Street, while the Sunbury Sports Association in Maryborough will have the opportunity to investigate developing a new playing field on Searle Street.

Sport and Recreation spokesperson Cr John Weiland said both leases would help strengthen grassroots sport in the region.

“Football is one of the fastest growing sports on the Fraser Coast, and these leases give the clubs the stability they need to invest in their facilities and programs,” Cr Weiland said.

“United Warriors will now be able to apply for more grants and funding opportunities as the named leaseholder, while Sunbury Sports Association can explore the potential of a new site that could give them a dedicated home for the first time.”

United Warriors Football Club has about 350 players, from juniors through to over-60s, and a supporter base of around 2,000 people. The club plans to upgrade its lights, playing surface and change rooms.

The Sunbury Sports Association has more than 250 registered players and 40 volunteers.

Its proposed site is on land formerly used as the Maryborough Landfill and will require environmental and engineering investigations before any development can proceed. The conditional lease gives the club up to five years to complete these investigations and obtain necessary approvals.

Cr Weiland said Council’s community leasing policy supports sport and recreation groups by giving them long-term security while ensuring facilities are managed responsibly.

“All of these arrangements help our sporting clubs grow participation, host events and create active, connected communities,” he said.