New year, new modern clubhouse for South Ripley
26 January 2024
Construction of a new clubhouse and amenities at Ironbark Park is now complete, providing a welcome boost for Ripley Valley Football Club during registration for the 2024 season.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the $2.18 million project was part of Ipswich City Council’s commitment to supporting an active and connected community.
“As the fastest growing city in Queensland, council is focused on ensuring our local infrastructure supports a growing community while maintaining the lifestyle that we all enjoy,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council maintains more than 220 sports fields and courts across our city, with $10 million in our annual capital works program slated for new parks, sport and environment projects.
“A new clubhouse and supporting infrastructure at South Ripley is critical to meeting demand and I look forward to seeing local clubs enjoying their modern facilities throughout the 2024 season ahead.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP said the project was co-funded by a $1 million commitment from the Australian Government through the Investing in Our Communities Program.
“This is a much-needed project I promised to deliver during the election and I am proud to see the facilities available in time for the 2024 season,” Mr Neumann said.
“I know there’s a big demand for better sporting and community facilities across the Ipswich region in order to encourage more kids to get involved and play sport.
“These facilities will ensure the Ripley Valley Football Club can expand in line with community demands and help them provide affordable sport and adequate facilities for the juniors, mens and womens teams.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council’s investment in community facilities was critical to meeting the needs of a young and thriving population.
“Our city is one of the youngest in the state with families moving here in droves to enjoy all that Ipswich has to offer,” Cr Tully said.
“Beyond our major roadworks and waste initiatives, it’s important that our sporting clubs and community groups have fit-for-purpose fields, parks, and infrastructure to meet the needs of a young and active community.”
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said the new facilities featured toilets and showers, amenities, facilities for people with disabilities and an office.
“There’s also a meeting room, storage area, amenities for referees, new footpaths and a commercial quality canteen – everything for local clubs and families to enjoy a friendly match or a serious tournament,” Cr Ireland said.
“Ironbark Park was South Ripley’s first major sports ground, home to the Ripley Valley Football Club (RVFC) seniors, women’s and junior teams, so this will boost sports in the local area and the wider Ipswich sporting community.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said council was committed to supporting the needs of local athletes and the broader community.
“RVFC has grown from 80 members in its first year to over 400 now and they turn away dozens more every year,” Cr Madsen said.
“The club has over 30 junior teams and eight senior teams: There is a huge demand for better sporting and community facilities in this booming area and we want to encourage more locals to get active and play sport.”
RVFC president David ‘Willow’ Wilson said the new facilities would benefit the community greatly.
“The new facility is great and the dedicated changerooms and amenities will particularly benefit the girls and women, who previously had to get changed with towels,” he said.
This project is co-funded by a $1 million commitment from the Australian Government through the Investing in Our Communities Program.