Works begin on new $1.1m playing field

Local sporting groups will benefit from the additional of a new playing field in the Gloucester Park precinct, with the $1.1m construction project beginning this week. The project will see the grass paddock at Lower Western Oval, which was previously used as a dog exercise area and overflow parking area, transformed into a grass turf pitch suitable for a range of sporting activities including soccer, hockey and rugby. Shire Recreation Operation Manager Dylan Brown said the project included ground works, fencing, and lighting to ensure maximum usability throughout the year. “There has been significant pressure on our sporting ovals for some time now so this additional playing pitch is a huge coup for the community,” he said. “We are very fortunate to have the space to expand sporting facilities close to the Margaret River town site, and keep sporting locations within walking distance of schools and other key services.” Residents who previously used the site as a dog exercise area are reminded they will now need to use one of the other 15 dog exercise areas in the Shire, with the closest alternative location being approximately 1.3km away at Georgette Drive Reserve in Margaret River. Director Sustainable Development Dale Putland said a full review of dog exercise was conducted concurrently to oval construction planning, to enable dog owners to have their say about future exercise areas. “We received a good level of community feedback on the matter and will be delivering a report to the Council on Wednesday 12 September with some recommendations,” he said. “We are confident we will be able to manage the needs of both sporting group members and dog owners.” The sporting oval construction is due for completion by the end of January 2019.