Alexandrina Council says work on Stage Two of the Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct is well underway with completion on track for early 2024. 

A new seven-compartment public toilet opened this month and work on the three additional tennis and netball courts and four cricket practice nets and storage sheds continues. 

Construction will start soon on the redesigned and relocated Goolwa Lions Club’s Book Shed facing Wildman Street.

This will be followed by landscape provision of shelters, park furniture, a playground and improved open green space. 

The council’s Chief Executive Officer Nigel Morris says this $4.5 million stage of the total $8.2 million project, which is 70 per cent grant funded, is on track to deliver a high- quality sporting and recreational facility for the region. 

“We started the winter sporting season with the competition of the multi-function scoreboard, the installation of audio-visual equipment in the facility, AFL specification goal posts, and high-standard oval lighting,” he says.

“These additions have allowed more groups in our community to use the precinct for multiple sports and community activities. 

“The remaining components of Stage Two are forging ahead and will be capped off early next year with the installation of a landscaped boulevard entry statement on Hutchinson Street for pedestrians to promote the precinct as a whole. 

“Meanwhile, an Advisory Group of Club representatives and community members, chaired by the Mayor, are working collaboratively to establish the right management and cost recovery models for all users of this precinct.” 

Stage One was completed in February 2022, delivering a two-storey, multi-purpose clubroom facility with change rooms, first aid rooms, umpire spaces, toilets, social spaces, storage, canteen, kitchen, bar, and a spectator viewing area. 

The facility incorporates several environmentally sustainable features including solar panels, rainwater storage and recycled materials. 

The federal government is contributing $5 million towards the upgrade of the Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct, with the state government providing $800,000 from Round 2 of the Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Facility Program. 

In addition to the $5.8 million in grant funding, Alexandrina Council has committed $2.4 million towards this community upgrade. 

Project updates can be found on the council website.