Centre set for growth

(From left), Cr David Morrison, Cr Victor Attwood, Minister Phil Reeves, Cr Heather Morrow and MP Wayne Wendt.

IPSWICH'S new multi-sport venue moved one step closer to completion yesterday with the beginning of Stage 1B of the $5.7million Tivoli Sporting Complex project.

Queensland Sport Minister Phil Reeves joined local councillors to turn the first sod on the predominantly infrastructure focused stage of the development.

Ipswich building company TP Turner will shortly begin construction work on internal roads, drainage, electrical supplies and the design and construction of stage one of a multi-purpose clubhouse.

Ipswich Parks Sport and Recreation Committee chairperson Councillor David Morrison said the venue would help ease the pressure on the city's sporting facilities.

"All our fields around the city are now at capacity," Cr Morrison said. "There has been interest from schools and sporting clubs to be based out here."

Cr Morrison said Ipswich City Bulls Soccer and St Edmunds College had expressed interest in using the Tivoli facilities.

Early interest from the Ipswich Eagles Australian Rules Club however has waned after it was confirmed both full size ovals would house turf cricket pitches.

The Eagles are exploring venues that could cater for pre-season training and games as well as addressing injury concerns for footballers playing on rock-hard centre square areas.

Cr Morrison said the council's primary focus was gaining maximum use of the new level one facility.

"Even the top fields in Australia, the MCG and the Sydney Cricket Ground have cricket fields in the middle of them," he said.

"What we try to do is keep them (ovals) activated for both the winter and summer season."

Stage 1B of the development is expected to be completed by May.