A NEW 10-year lease for Redlands Cricket Incorporated has been approved by Redland City Council, clearing the way for a $1 million State Government-funded women’s changeroom at Wellington Point’s EGW Wood Sportsfield and securing the future of one of the city’s premier cricket venues.
Councillors unanimously backed the lease over part of the Birkdale Road sporting precinct, satisfying a key State Government funding requirement for the long-awaited facility.
Redlands Cricket president Sean Lloyd welcomed the decision, describing it as an important milestone for the club’s rapidly expanding women’s and girls’ program.
“This project will provide safe, modern and fit-for-purpose amenities for our growing women’s and girls’ programs,” Mr Lloyd said.
Chairing the meeting, Cr Peter Mitchell highlighted the significance of the project for women’s sport.
“I’ll also note that part of the lease includes new female change rooms as well, so that’s fantastic. The rise and rise of women’s sport is great to see,” Cr Mitchell said before putting the motion, which was carried unanimously.
The new changeroom, to be built beside Ron Field Oval, forms part of a broader vision to transform EGW Wood into a hub for both elite and grassroots cricket.
Queensland Cricket, together with Cricket Australia, Redland City Council and all levels of government, has committed to significant upgrades at the venue, with plans to strengthen its role as a high-performance training base while supporting growing community participation.
Mr Lloyd said the investment came at a pivotal time as the club prepared to enter the Queensland Premier Grade Women’s Competition and continued to expand its female pathway.
He said the recent appointment of Harsha De Silva as Women’s Head Coach and Director of Women’s Cricket had strengthened the club’s coaching program and helped provide clear pathways from junior to Premier Grade cricket.
Mr Lloyd said the project would also benefit young cricketers across the Redlands through the club’s junior community network, including Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club, Wellington Point Cricket Club, Redland Bay Sharks Cricket Club and Muddies Cricket Club.
The facility will also include viewing areas and public amenities for families and spectators.
EGW Wood has been the home of organised cricket in the Redlands since the late 1970s.
Under the approved agreement, the not-for-profit club will receive the lease at a nominal rental in recognition of the community benefits it provides.
The lease remains subject to planning approvals and final agreement on the lease area, with Council retaining the right to review its terms as part of a broader review of community leasing arrangements across the city.
