The growth of the City as well as increased involvement in many sports has seen greater demand for use of fields and other sporting facilities.  Council coordinates the use of sporting facilities on the Gold Coast.

Major sports facilities

Major sporting facilities on the Gold Coast include:

• Carrara Indoor Stadium, Broadbeach-Nerang Road, Carrara - regularly used for sporting activites ranging from soccer and basketball through to figure skating
• Carrara Stadium, Broadbeach-Nerang Road, Carrara - with seating for 8277 spectators is an ideal venue for sporting and entertainment events
• Gold Coast Athletics Track, Parklands Boulevard, Parkwood - national standard facility centrally located adjacent to Griffith University
• Gold Coast Cycle Centre, Hope Street, Nerang - regularly hosts national, state and regional level athletics events as well being the preferred training site for numerous countries prior to the 2000 Olympics
• Palm Meadows Baseball Facility, Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara - widely regarded as one of Australia's premium baseball facilities, was used by the gold medal United States Olympic baseball squad for pre-Olympic Games training in 2000
• Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium, Sports Drive, Runaway Bay - the flexible design has allowed for a wide range of events from soccer and basketball through to figure skating
• Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre, Sports Drive, Runaway Bay - a leading training facility for the public and athletes

For further information on these facilities, including specifications and how to book, visit the Council website.

Other sporting facilities  (for example, soccer fields, netball courts)

There are many sporting facilities across the Gold Coast, catering to a variety of sports.  To find a sporting facilitiy near you, use our sports finder on the right hand side of this page. 

There are two types of sports field usage:

• Annual/seasonal usage - this type of usage is managed under Councils Right of Use Program.  The program aims to coordinate the use of all Council controlled sporting and recreation facilities to ensure the whole community are catered for.
• One off usage - these bookings are administered under Councils temporary use of parks by individuals/groups or community 

Right of use 

Currently there are approximately 300 individual playing surfaces managed by Recreation Services under the Right of Use Program.  Sporting clubs, schools and community organisations requiring regular use of these facilities are required to enter into a “Right of Use Agreement” (ROU) with GCCC for the particular facility or ground.  Please Note: Right of Use is not a lease and does not provide exclusive use of sporting facilities.  

Below is a list of frequently asked questions/answers in regard to the Right of use Program.
 

Who is eligible for Right of Use (ROU)?

To be eligible to obtain Right of Use (ROU) you must be a club/organisation that is:  incorporated, community based, non-profit; and draw the majority of members from within the City boundaries.  Public Liability Insurance not less than $20 million is also required.

What fees and charges apply?

The annual/seasonal fee for ROU is determined by Council, subject to variation on a annual basis, and applies to each individual facility required (Eg if your club utilises two separate facilities then two sperate fees will apply).  Schools are exempted from paying  ROU fees.  Please Note:  Additional charges may be incurred if Council deems that inappropriate use of the facilities is occurring or Council’s ROU terms & conditions are not adhered to.

How do I apply for ROU?

ROU Application Forms are sent to clubs and other organisations in December each year requesting usage requirements for the following year (Eg January-December).  Applications must specify exact time, day & dates, which fields are being used and what it is being used for (Eg training, competition etc).  Allocations are generally confirmed in January and will include an invoice for the years usage.  If you do not receive an application form please contact Recreation Services Section on (07) 55816863.

How are the fields allocated?

Councils fields and facilities are allocated annually for a full twelve (12) month period.  The sport that is ‘in season’ will take priority. The allocation will be on the basis of users needs only and blanket bookings will not be accepted.  Fields and facilities will be made available to other users at times which are free from a ROU booking.  Individual bookings can be made at any time during the year to accommodate additional usage requests.  

Can I give approval to use fields under my ROU to other users?

ROU holders DO NOT have the authority to approve use of fields for any other users.  Approval must be obtained from Council and clubs are to direct any enquires to Council’s Recreational Services Branch.