Construction of a new Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Caboolture is officially underway - with the Albanese Government today announcing it will deliver $10 million towards this high-impact project.
The government is partnering with the Queensland Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council to deliver this $17.5 million purpose-built facility, which will mean young people will be able to hoop, jump and burn off energy to their heart's content.
It will replace the existing PCYC Caboolture facility as a safe space to connect youth who are at-risk or disadvantaged with local police in a positive environment.
The space will cater for a range of community activities, events, group fitness and gym classes, gymnastic events, basketball and boxing - with accessibility and inclusivity at the forefront of its design.
The facility will increase access to programs designed to strengthen individual and group problem solving, community cohesion and social connection - bringing the Moreton Bay community together like never before.
Around 103 direct jobs will be created during construction, with an additional 11 ongoing jobs to be supported.
The new PCYC Caboolture facility is expected to be completed in mid-2025, and is supported by $10 million from the Albanese Government, $5 million from the Queensland Government, along with $2.5 million from the City of Moreton Bay.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The Albanese Government is committed to providing new and improved infrastructure to encourage communities to thrive, both economically and socially, and to bolster equity outcomes and social inclusion across the country.
"We are proudly providing $10 million towards the new PCYC Queensland facility for Caboolture.
"I look forward to seeing this vital community project take shape and support a real jobs and economic boost for the Moreton Bay region."
Quotes attributable to Federal Regional Development and Local Government Minister Kristy McBain:
"It's fantastic to be in Caboolture today to mark the start of works at this new PCYC facility - a space that will have a huge impact across the Moreton Bay region.
"Having modern, fit-for-purpose facilities is central to the delivery of important youth and community programs, which is why the Albanese Government is injecting $10 million towards this project.
"PCYC Caboolture has more than 1,000 members and local families that participate in its activities such as gymnastics, boxing, martial arts and youth development programs - and this new space will help them to connect the community like never before."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Police and Community Safety Minister, and State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan:
"I have been a strong advocate for this project, and am pleased that the state government played an important role in making it come to fruition with a contribution of $5 million to the project and also providing the land for the new centre.
"I made an election commitment to my local community to make this important project a reality and it is extremely gratifying to see that with Commonwealth support we have reached today's milestone.
"We are supporting Queenslanders through community-centric projects like these to help improve civic engagement and prevent youth crime before it happens.
"This project will help QPCYC deliver more youth development and crime prevention programs, in-turn building agency and engagement in our young people.
"Once completed, this new youth hub will include multi-purpose spaces for sport, recreation and community activities, a purpose-built gymnastics facility, 24/7 community gym, outdoor basketball court and lots of car parking."
Quotes attributable to Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery:
"The hub, with the help of a $2.5 million Regional Community Project Grant from City of Moreton Bay and additional funding from both state and Australian governments, will be built to replace the existing but no longer fit-for-purpose PCYC site.
"PCYC plays a vital role in building strong community connections for youth in the Caboolture area, providing a linkage to sport and recreation, and a place to engage and build relationships.
"I'm proud that Council was able to work with all levels of government and QPCYC to move on this and give the youth of Caboolture this much-needed upgrade."
Quotes attributable to Queensland PCYC CEO Phil Schultz:
"This new facility will give PCYC Queensland the opportunity to deliver more programs that build safer, healthier communities through youth development in the City of Moreton Bay.
"For over 75 years, PCYC Queensland has been providing young people across the state with an environment that supports individual development, encourages community connection, and celebrates diversity.
"Working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service, we provide a place where young people won't be judged and aim to empower them by improving their physical health and wellbeing, emotional resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, using sports, peer activities and mentoring to achieve this. The ripple effect is we can inspire them to make positive life choices and change lives.
"We encourage young people to thrive with purpose, focus, skills and opportunity through our prevention, intervention and diversionary programs.
"These programs not only provide practical pathways to employment and re-engagement they promote respect and leadership in everyday life."
