Photo caption: Turning a sod to commence works on stage 1 of the $1.9 million revitalisation of Moree’s home of sport, Ron Harborne Oval, Moree Plains Shire Council’s Director of Engineering Services John Dyer, left, Moree Junior Soccer President Kevin Rigby, Moree District Cricket’s Steven Brinkman, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Deputy Mayor Susannah Pearse, Moree Junior Soccer’s Mick Young and junior player Blake Young, Councillor Murray Hartin and General Manager Kelvin Tytherleigh.
Monday, 5 February 2024
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall joined Moree Plains Shire Deputy Mayor Susannah Pearse and local sporting club representatives late last week to turn the first official sod of soil on a massive $1.9 million revitalisation of Moree’s home of sport, Ron Harborne Oval.
The much-anticipated project, which has been years in the making, has been made possible with several grants secured from the previous State and Federal Governments.
Mr Marshall said Moree Plains Shire Council had developed an impressive masterplan for the total upgrade of the Ron Harborne Oval precinct, to support the continuation and growth of junior and senior sports, including, cricket, soccer, netball and athletics.
“Stage 1 of these exciting upgrades includes a new clubhouse for multiple sports, parenting room, accessible toilets, a new kitchen and canteen and storage facilities,” Mr Marshall said.
“Ron Harborne Oval is the main sporting precinct in Moree and the home of netball, soccer, hockey, athletics, cricket, and junior rugby union’s annual gala day.
“This is such an exciting project and I commend council on its foresight and desire to develop this important asset for multiple sporting groups.
“The revitalisation will be crucial to boost community morale and assist in the attraction and retention of the local workforce and general population.”
Mr Marshall said further improvements would include a new carparks with accessible pathways linking to the clubhouse facility.
“The main component of the upgrade is the construction of the new netball courts using flood mitigation strategies close to the main amenities,” he said.
“The netball courts received significant damage due to floor events in the past, rendering them unsafe.
“Council have now implemented flood mitigation strategies to construct the new courts, with LED lighting, on a raised pad close to the main cricket oval, ensuring the facilities will be above flood levels.”
Works on Stage 1 should be completed this calendar year.