It marks a significant milestone in the provision of a new multi-use recreational precinct in the region to meet the needs of local sports clubs.

The Rainbow Beach Sports Fields Master Plan design was adopted at the May 20 meeting of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

The design incorporates two main playing fields, four multi-use basketball/netball courts, a clubhouse, provision for a playground and up to 284 car parking spaces.

The district-level sporting precinct is identified as a key priority in council's 2019-2025 Recreation Action Plan and will provide for new public facilities in the Area 14 growth area at Rainbow Beach between Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills.

The fields will be located adjacent to Lake Cathie Public School on Ocean Drive. The land is in the process of being dedicated from the owner, St Vincent's Foundation, to council as a public reserve.

A volunteer committee, consisting of proposed future sporting user groups of the precinct and interested community groups, has been established. Post construction, it is proposed the group will act as a management committee for the facility and will have balanced representation from each of the user groups.

Stakeholders consulted on the design options included Lake Cathie Raiders Football Club, Lake Cathie Public School, Lake Cathie Progress Association, Bonny Hills Lake Cathie Cricket Club, Camden Haven Netball Club, Middle Rock Mariners Baseball, Northern NSW AFL, Cricket NSW, Football Mid North Coast, Lake Cathie Rugby League, Revive Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills Progress Association.

Cr Peter Alley said moving the sports fields project to the detailed design phase is a great outcome for the community.

"It's a good mix of the right sorts of playing fields. It's in the right place, it ticks all the right boxes," Cr Alley said.

Cr Sharon Griffiths said the consultation with community and sporting groups has allowed council to deliver what has been sought.

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