The Liberal and Nationals Government has committed $5 million toward a new home for the PCYC at Caboolture, locking in the delivery of important youth and community programs for decades to come.

A brand-new facility will be constructed on King Street to replace the existing 30-year-old site on Toovey Street, placing PCYC Caboolture at a more central location and making it more accessible for locals.

This will breathe new life into a service that has been building safer, healthier communities in the region through youth and adult development programs since 1981.

Ageing facilities at the current site are hampering PCYC Caboolture’s service delivery and poor accessibility means a large number of potential participants do not attend sessions.

The new facility is better serviced by public transport and will enable the provision of high-priority crime prevention, youth development and social support programs for local residents.

The project will also deliver an economic boost for the Moreton Bay region, creating an estimated 83 jobs during construction and supporting an additional nine new jobs at the completed facility.

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the new facility would help meet the demand for expanded service delivery at PCYC Caboolture.

“This is fantastic news for locals. The current PCYC building is no longer fit for purpose, it is more than 30 years old and has become too small for its growing membership,” Mr Young said.

“I can remember taking my kids there in the 1990s when Dale Hennessy was in charge.

“When the new PCYC is constructed, I have no doubt that it will become an incredibly important facility for our community.

“It is something I’ve fought hard for since being elected and I’d like to thank everyone who signed my petition to help get this funding.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said PCYC facilities play a vital role in shaping the lives of Australians each day.

“PCYC facilities are a staple in towns all over Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“These important community clubs provide youth and community programs, services and facilities to improve the lives of individuals and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.

“Our Government is focused on funding and delivering projects that will improve regional towns and communities, and the people who call them home.

“Terry Young is a passionate local member and his commitment to making this project a reality is another example of how the Liberal and Nationals Government is delivering for Australians.”

PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mitch Ryder said PCYC Caboolture supports more than 1,000 members and families through activities such as gymnastics, boxing and martial arts, and youth development programs.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Terry Young, Federal Member for Longman, for his additional support for this project and also thank our Queensland Government and Morton Bay Regional Council who have come together to support the Caboolture community,” Mr Ryder said.

“We are excited about the opportunity this additional funding provides to get this project off the ground and provide a fit-for-purpose club which will enable us to increase the number of young people and community members we support, to help change young people’s stories.”

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery welcomed the Federal Government’s funding commitment towards the new PCYC Caboolture facility.

“It’s vital funding that will help get this project kick-started as soon as possible,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Council has already commenced planning and design on the new building so it’s fantastic to have all three levels of government now involved and working on this project.

“The PCYC is an integral part of our community. They look after our kids, provide an outlet through sports and other activities and teach them the skills in life that make the community greater.

“And this new facility will improve services for young people not only in Caboolture, but in the surrounding areas.”

The Queensland Government has contributed $5 million toward the construction of PCYC Caboolture’s new home, while the Moreton Bay Regional Council is providing $2.5 million.