Coolum Touch Association has a home at last

AFTER 12 years of uncertain tenure, the Coolum Touch Association finally has a permanent home. It's just not in Coolum.

The association is now based at the new Ridges Sports Complex at Peregian Springs on a long-term lease to manage the clubhouse and sports facilities.

The complex was officially opened on Tuesday by Mayor Mark Jamieson who said the facility would be good for the club and Peregian Springs residents.

"The club is anticipating membership growth within the junior and senior teams due to the increasing population of the Peregian Springs area," he said.

Though the move was a "forced compromise", Coolum Touch president Russell Byrne said club members were pleased the uncertainty over the club's future had been resolved.

"It's a great complex," he said.

"It gives the opportunity for Coolum Touch to expand and to bring the community in on more sporting opportunities."

Though Coolum Touch had a long lease at its former home behind Springfield Ave, a deal between the Department of Natural Resources and the then Maroochy Council allowed retirement resort developer Sundale to effectively landlock the touch fields.

Sundale's application to build a retirement resort on the fields was refused by the previous council in December 2010. Sundale is in negotiations with Sunshine Coast Council over the developer's appeal against the refusal.

The facilities in the new complex include a clubhouse, two multi-purpose playing fields,lighting to competition standard, irrigation, terrace seating and viewing shelters, a children's playground and barbecue facilities and outdoor exercise stations.

Sign-on dates for the summer season are October 16 and 18 from 6-7.30pm. The first games at the new grounds will be played on October 23 and 25.