South Pine Sports Complex: A Model for Innovative Sporting Infrastructure

The South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, Queensland, stands as a premier leading community sporting facility within the Moreton Bay Region. This $22 million major development spans across 74 hectares. South Pine Sports Complex caters to a diverse array of sports, including football, cricket, hockey, and more, serving as a central hub for both local athletes and the broader community. Not only does this facility focus on community engagement, this project also homes the Brisbane Roar FC Women’s team.

Introduction

The South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, Queensland, is a flagship community sporting facility within the Moreton Bay Region. Spanning an impressive 74 hectares, the complex is designed to cater to a diverse range of sports and recreational activities, including football, cricket, hockey, BMX, and martial arts. It also supports community events, making it a versatile hub for both athletes and the Moreton Bay community.

In 2014, the Moreton Bay Regional Council endorsed a 30-year master plan to guide the complex’s development and evolution. This plan was created through extensive consultation with local stakeholders, including sporting organisations, community groups, and residents, ensuring that the facility met the needs of the growing population. The master plan is divided into five distinct precincts, each focused on providing tailored infrastructure and amenities for specific activities and user groups.

Since this project is focused on bringing great value to the community, Moddex was honoured to provide their compliant safety and accessibility solutions. Moddex supplied and installed nearly 400 metres of Assistrail disability handrails and Conectabal commercial balustrades to ensure that the project met high safety standards and future-proofing strategies.

Project Overview

The phased development of the South Pine Sports Complex has focused on creating a state-of-the-art facility that promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Key infrastructure upgrades include the addition of sporting fields, synthetic turf surfaces, multipurpose indoor sports courts, and enhanced pedestrian pathways. The inclusion of modern amenities such as clubhouses, viewing platforms, and recreational spaces further enhances the complex’s usability and appeal.

This extensive redevelopment aims to position the South Pine Sports Complex as a leading venue for local, regional, and national sporting events while fostering community engagement and supporting active lifestyles. Its focus on inclusivity ensures that individuals of all abilities can access and enjoy the facility, aligning with the council’s vision for a vibrant, connected, and healthy community.

Project Goals:

1. Enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities

2. Improve safety and mitigate risk through robust balustrade systems

3. Create an inclusive environment for all visitors

4. Align with Australian accessibility standards

To meet these objectives, the project team collaborated with Moddex, a leading provider of modular handrail and balustrade solutions. Moddex's systems are renowned for their adaptability, ease of installation, and compliance with rigorous safety standards.

Assistrail® Disability Handrails AR10, AR30, & AR40

For the South Pine Sports Complex project, Moddex's Assistrail® Disability Handrails AR10, AR30, and AR40 were pivotal in ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. These handrails are designed to comply with Australian Standards (AS1428.1) and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), providing safe and reliable assistance for individuals with mobility challenges.

The AR10 straight handrails were installed along the pathways, offering continuous support, while the AR30 and AR40 configurations were integrated with stairways, ramps and areas requiring additional handrail extensions. The modular design of Assistrail® systems simplified installation, minimised on-site welding, and allowed for seamless adaptability across various parts of the complex. These durable, low-maintenance handrails enhance safety and usability, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of ability, can confidently navigate the facility.

Conectabal® Commercial Balustrades CB30

The South Pine Sports Complex also features Conectabal® Commercial Balustrades CB30, chosen for their robust design and adaptability to high-traffic environments. These modular balustrade systems provide essential edge protection for elevated walkways, stairs, and viewing platforms, ensuring safety without compromising aesthetics.

Engineered to comply with Australian Standards (AS1657 and AS/NZS1170), the CB30 balustrades are constructed from durable materials, making them ideal for outdoor and indoor use. Designed with load ratings appropriate for large crowds, the system provides a robust safety solution for high-traffic areas, ensuring the protection of visitors at height. The system’s modular configuration enabled quick and efficient installation, reducing on-site construction time and costs. With clean lines and a versatile design, the CB30 balustrades complement the complex's modern architecture while mitigating risks from falls of heights to workers, visitors and users.

Project Impact

The enhancements have significantly elevated the complex's status, attracting regional and national events, boosting local sports participation, and fostering community cohesion. The facility's expansion supports a wide range of activities, from traditional sports to dog agility and martial arts, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity.

Key Outcomes:

• Community Recognition: In May 2024, the project received the Community Facility of the Year Award QLD at the Parks and Leisure Australia awards and was shortlisted for the National Community Facility of the Year award.

• Enhanced Accessibility: The development of pedestrian and cycle pathways has improved connectivity within the complex, promoting active transportation and accessibility.

• Economic Boost: Hosting large-scale events has stimulated the local economy through increased tourism and related business activities.

Conclusion

The South Pine Sports Complex exemplifies the seamless integration of community input and strategic long-term planning, creating a versatile and dynamic hub that caters to a wide range of sporting and recreational activities.

Through extensive consultation with local stakeholders, including sporting groups, community organisations, and residents, the Moreton Bay Regional Council ensured that the complex was designed to meet the evolving needs of the growing population. This collaborative approach resulted in a facility that not only supports high-performance and community-level sports but also fosters inclusivity, accessibility, and social engagement.