Upgrades to ovals required

Bungaree and Gordon locals have shared what an upgrade to their ovals would mean for their growing communities, calling on the State and Federal Government to come to the table.

Council is eager to help organise the upgrades, and is advocating for the two other levels of government to provide financial assistance to bring the plans to fruition.

Outgoing Bungaree Football Netball Club President, Andrew Mahar, said the club had missed out on playing football finals at home because of the condition of its ground.

“We currently field five football sides and seven netball sides, and it’s a big part of our community. Our playing surface over the last two years, many years actually, hasn’t been up to scratch. We need to secure funding to get that oval upgraded,” Mr Mahar said.

“We missed out on three finals, not only last year but in previous years, because of our playing surface. It wasn’t up to speed, it was too wet, it wasn’t suitable to play finals. We missed out on a lot of crowds, and a lot of regional funding that would’ve been a part of our community, because of our surface.”

Gordon Football Netball Club President, Peter Clifford, said players often had to train elsewhere to avoid tearing up the ground.

“With the Auskick program here in Gordon, we have really good numbers. But with that, if it’s a wet night, we have to transfer it away from here, so that it doesn’t destroy the ground. That many kids and parents on the oval, they destroy it in one night,” Mr Clifford said.

“The biggest problem with the ground is, while it does have some underground drainage, it’s basically an old paddock that’s had the top side of it levelled a bit. It just doesn’t drain very well. The ground can’t handle it being wet when there’s anyone using the ground.”

Mr Clifford said the club hopes to expand into female Auskick and perhaps a female football side as well, but “we can’t grow it with the ground the way it is”.

Council has contributed funds to both the Bungaree and Gordon ovals, and the Ballan Community Bank has provided $150,000 for an upgrade at Bungaree.

However, the two projects need funding from the State and Federal Governments to get off the ground, and help the two proud community clubs grow.

For more information on the Bungaree and Gordon oval upgrades, and other projects Moorabool Shire Council is advocating for, visit www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/advocacy.