Sports fields recovery on track as season kick off approaches
Published on 24 April 2026
Rockhampton Regional Council’s sporting fields at Norbridge Park and Cyril Connell Fields are on track for use at the end of April, following flood impacts earlier this year.
The recovery works are being supported through the Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The fields, which are home to Rockhampton Touch Association and Football Queensland, were inundated by flood water in January, with three fields at each facility going underwater again in March.
Council has secured Community Relief Funding through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and may claim up to $400,000 for clean-up efforts at the sports fields and riverside precinct.
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said Council’s Parks crews began work in January to restore the fields as soon as possible to enable the touch football and soccer season to kick off.
“Council’s Parks crews commenced work as soon as the flood water had receded only to have the lower fields go under water again in March which was heartbreaking,” Cr Rutherford said.
“Council has been working closely with both the Touch and Soccer Associations, and I would like to thank them for not only their assistance with the clean-up but also their co-operation and patience during the restoration process.
“All but the three lower touch fields and three lower soccer fields will be ready for clubs to use by the end of April. The grass on some of the fields is still recovering and we will continue to monitor the wear and tear on the fields and look at field rotation to allow the best opportunity for grass regrowth.
“The six lower fields have some minor silt damage, and there’s still a bit of mud so unfortunately they will be out of action for a bit longer.”
Divisional Councillor Grant Mathers said the community was looking forward to being able to use the fields again.
“It’s been a real race against the clock and a huge collaborative effort between Council and sporting clubs to get these fields ready for the upcoming season,” Cr Mathers said.
“I know our local clubs are more than ready to lace up their boots and get their seasons underway, so I want to thank everyone for their hard work to make it possible.”