Captain Oldrey plan on public exhibition

Eurobodalla Council is seeking feedback on a draft masterplan proposing future improvements to Captain Oldrey Park at Broulee.

The plan was developed with input from user groups including netball, football and rugby clubs, the Broulee Bunyips Playgroup, nearby schools and colleges, the Eurobodalla Walking for Pleasure group and the Broulee Mossy Point Community Association.

High priority actions include improving lighting and refurbishing playing fields, installing fencing between courts/fields and the road, upgrading the amenities building, staged car park improvements and wayfinding signage.

As the park is Eurobodalla’s regional netball facility, the masterplan proposes replacing its six bitumen netball courts with eight acrylic courts - two undercover - as well as improving lighting and seating.

Council’s Divisional Manager Recreation Services Mark Upson said the draft plan aimed to provide a quality outdoor multi-sport and community venue, providing for regular sporting events and recreation opportunities for all.

Mr Upson moved to reassure the community that the vast majority of existing vegetation on the site would be retained under this plan.

“Small sections of vegetation will need to be removed to accommodate two additional netball courts, and additional and safer parking,” he said.

“We hope to see more people enjoying the bushland within the park by working with the local Landcare group and Broulee Public School to establish an accessible trail through trees on the site, and installing picnic settings where appropriate.”

Mr Upson said there was not, at this point in time, demand for a third playing field, as proposed in Council’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2018.

“With the popularity of football and rugby union at the site and anticipated population growth in the area, it is possible that the demand will exist in the future,” he said.

“For this reason, the masterplan recommends reassessing demand for a third playing field at approximately five-yearly intervals, including consideration of possible alternative locations and surface types should a need be demonstrated.”

A $415,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities fund was recently secured for the proposed upgrade of the sporting amenities building, including two additional changerooms, new toilet facilities and extended awnings for all-weather spectator viewing. Council is in the process of applying for grant funding for the construction of the netball courts.

The draft Captain Oldrey District Sports Park Landscape Masterplan is on public exhibition to enable the community to provide feedback until Wednesday 10 October. To view the plan, or to make a submission, head to Public Exhibition page.