JUDY Holt Reserve in Birkdale, the beloved home of Redlands Rugby Union Club, is now officially shut down for two years for major remediation works, leaving over 400 players without a playing field or a clubhouse to call home.
The project aims to address environmental issues from outdated landfill practices and will create two international-sized rugby fields and two smaller ones.
The fields, which were closed on Friday, will remain off-limits until late 2026, leaving the club without access to its primary training and match-day facilities for nearly two years.
Redland City Councillor Tracey Huges expressed her disappointment over the lack of communication from Council.
“I have been working with Council on this project for about six years, however, I am extremely disappointed at the level of communication from Council to my Muddies,” Cr Huges said.
“The enormous impact at the start of the season has left Muddies scrambling to find both training and game day venues for 400-plus players, which is truly appalling, disgraceful and disrespectful.”
Redlands Rugby Union Club Presient Mike King echoed those frustrations.
“The works have been in process for about three and a half years, but the original plan was for them to start in April 2026,” he said.
“On 5 December we were told that work had been brought forward, and the contract was going to be signed on 20 December.
“We welcome Council’s commitment to upgrade the fields to provide improved rugby facilities but there is a lack of understanding of the club’s financial position in closing us down for two years.
“We’ve had very little response to any of our concerns.”
Despite the challenges, the Muddies Cricket Club has stepped in to offer its facilities to the rugby club, providing much-needed support during this difficult period.
Cr Huges thanked the cricket club for their help.
“Thankfully, Muddies Cricket Club have come to the rescue and have stepped up, working directly with Muddies rugby at considerable disruption to themselves,” she said.
“The level of cooperation has been both a huge and welcomed relief to the rugby club and an enormous gesture of goodwill from the cricket club.”
Mr King also extended thanks to Muddies Cricket Club and in particular President Malcolm Lack.
“I recognise this is not an ideal situation for either club, but I greatly appreciate the understanding and collaborative approach which has enabled a resolution to be found for our respective Muddies clubs,” he said.
“Friday night junior training at our club is critical to our culture and is a building block for our future Muddies.
“It is essential that the rugby club can continue to train together as a community.
“I cannot express our thanks enough to the Muddies Cricket Club.
“Our club motto is ‘Once a Muddie, always a Muddie’ and it is great to see the Muddies sporting community working together to find a solution.”
The Council has recently disclosed that a $34 million contract was awarded to McMahon Services Pty
Ltd for the Judy Holt Northern Batter Remediation project.
Redlands2030 President Steve MacDonald said it was disappointing that the Council awarded such a large contract without explaining how this expenditure was being funded by ratepayers.
