A vision for one of Brisbane’s most popular sporting precincts has been unveiled with the Schrinner Council set to confirm a new long-term agreement with Brothers Rugby Club on Tuesday 13 August.
Brothers Rugby Club released the long-term masterplan for Crosby Park in Albion which would help create the city’s newest sporting and lifestyle precinct.
The masterplan is expected to be completed between over the next four years following Council’s confirmation of a 25-year lease for one of the oldest premier football clubs in Queensland.
Early works were completed in 2020 and included upgrades to the playing surface, drainage, and lighting across the Jack Ross and Des Hogan Ovals, with tiered seating and sun shelters completed in 2021.
The new long-term lease will enable Brothers to progress the next phase of works for the sporting precinct.
Established in 1905, Brothers Rugby Club is one of the oldest active football clubs in Queensland and one of the country’s most eminent rugby clubs.
The Club has championed community engagement in sport through world-first inclusive programs for players with learning and perceptual disabilities.
Brothers has occupied Crosby Park for 73 years and over 40 per cent of its playing members are female.
Following confirmation of a new 25-year lease, works will begin to build a new indoor sport and recreation centre, increase carparking and introduce learn-to-swim classes for local families.
A new community clubhouse, café, gym, function room, public seating and change rooms to cater for the growth of female players will follow in the next phases.
The final stage will help deliver more allied health services to benefit local residents and users of the sporting precinct.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane has grown faster than any other capital city in the country and it’s important our community facilities continue to grow with us to create more to see and do in the suburbs.
“Brothers Rugby Club has been a steward for Crosby Park for more than 70 years and we’re excited to work with them to help create a lifestyle and sporting precinct that more people can enjoy.
“I’ve always said I want the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to create a positive legacy for local families now and beyond the games and that’s exactly what this vision will help achieve.
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and by investing in grassroots sports we can help make it even better for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Club President Brothers Rugby Club Geoff Rodgers:
“Brothers is well known as one Australia’s most established and successful rugby clubs. Established in 1905 and moving to Crosby Park in 1949, we offer comprehensive rugby programs in senior rugby including a growing women’s involvement, a 500-strong junior rugby program from Under 6’s through to Under 18’s, Little Bro’s for four and five year olds, a 1,100 person Touch program, and Modified Rugby for neurodivergent children which we co-founded with Ginger Cloud Foundation in 2014.
“Whilst this extensive core rugby offering provides a vibrant hub for the local community on a range of participation, involvement and viewing perspectives, Brothers is firmly established as arguably the most central focal point for Brisbane’s inner north-east community – whether this be as a sporting and social venue for local schools, businesses and community groups, or as a leisure/recreational outlet for the general public.
“But the bottom line is that we must upgrade our amenities – which really haven’t had any major additions since the early 1980s – to keep pace with this heightened community demand.
“As a modern club over 40% of our members are female and we host many participants requiring disability access. Being able to safely cater for all of our participants, whilst maintaining a safe, open and freely accessible space for the entire community – including embracing environmental protection and sustainability – is now essential.
“We thank the Brisbane City Council for this initiative which is very much welcomed by the club and the broader community.”
