Oval upgrades welcomed

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has welcomed news of $332,207 in grant funds to redevelop Gloucester Park’s lower western oval.

The State Government community sporting and recreation facilities fund grant will help the oval house the Margaret River soccer and rugby clubs and ease pressure on sporting grounds.

Upgrades will include a 130m x 81m east-west field to house the soccer and rugby clubs, a 1m-high barrier fence, lighting, coaches’ boxes and shelters, minor road realignment, and car parking.

Shire president Ian Earl said the precinct’s other ovals had suffered from overuse and the new field would benefit local clubs.

“It’s great news, a terrific outcome for all of us,” he said.

Cr Earl said he was “pleased that we can now get on with the job of building a new oval”.

Shire corporate and community services director Annie Riordan said Gloucester Park was at capacity for several sports during peak periods and the Shire’s sport and recreation advisory committee supported redeveloping the oval.

Cr Earl said user groups were “to be applauded” for helping to get the development started.