PREMIUM
Sport

Coly sports precinct starts upgrades

Work has started on the $1.8 million stage two upgrades to Coleambally Sports Precinct.The upgrade will provide the Coleambally community with one of the premier sporting facilities in the area and is being undertaken at Number 1 oval.It includes the construction of new player and umpire change rooms and amenities, as well as upgrades to the existing clubhouse, including the amenities and scorer’s box.It will also see additions to the netball change rooms, including upgraded amenities, and a gymnasium.Murrumbidgee Council has worked closely with user groups in Coleambally to ensure the facility ticks all the boxes for each sporting group.One of the precinct’s user group representatives, Coleambally Blues Football Netball Club president Glen Tooth said the upgrades will add to the excitement and anticipation of the 2021 season.The Blues’ season was cancelled after the Farrer Football and Netball League and South West Juniors League 2020 seasons were abandoned last month due to Coronavirus restrictions.‘‘We are looking forward to seeing the finished works, from the plans I’ve seen it will be a real asset for our players, officials and opposition,’’ Tooth said.‘‘The clubrooms are anticipated to be finished by March and we usually have an early April kick-off so it will be perfect timing for our season.‘‘The upgrades are good not only for the club but for the community too.’’Mayor Ruth McRae is delighted work is successfully under way.She said it will be an important asset for the Coleambally community and the wider sporting region.‘‘We have undertaken consultation with community groups to ensure the upgrade is practical, visually appealing and will meet the needs of the community now and into the future,’’ Cr McRae said.The project is funded through round two of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) and Stronger Communities Fund, and also a proposed contribution from AFL NSW.The work will be undertaken by Kennedy Builders Pty Ltd of Mulwala, who were awarded the tender at the June council meeting.Further upgrades to the Youth Hall and cricket nets and pitches will be undertaken utilising SCCF Round 3 grant funding.This funding will also be used for the Coleambally Swim Club to purchase timing equipment, reels and a shade marquee and also for the Murrumbidgee Physical Culture Club to purchase portable mirrors.Stage one of the precinct redevelopment was completed in March 2020.It included a new $434,400 amenities building and junior change rooms at Number 2 oval.The works at the Number 2 oval were funded by round one of the Stronger Country Communities and the Stronger Communities Fund.