James Browne Oval to get upgrade

James Browne Oval at Woy Woy will be upgraded with a grant of $120,000.

Works proposed for the oval will include irrigation, drainage and resurfacing the turf.

Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the Federal Government grant would improve sporting facilities as James Browne Oval and would go a long way in helping combat some of the health challenges faced by some in the community.

"I am proud of the Liberal National Government's investment into grass roots sports, especially this investment in the facilities used by Southern and Ettalong United Football Club," Mrs Wicks said.

Southern and Ettalong United Football Club president Mr Glen Balneaves said he expected club to increase to 650 members this year.

"The existing James Browne Oval amenities were constructed in 1997 and consisted of three playing fields as opposed to six playing fields today. The current training areas are congested and becoming worn from overuse," Mr Balneaves said.

Club secretary Ms Kylie Brown said the improved oval would boost the women's program which had increased by 65 per cent in recent years with a further 30 per cent growth expected in 2019.

"The oval is highly utilised and includes two full-sized senior pitches and multiple fields for non-competition football despite the fact the current state of the field is poor, uneven and susceptible to player injury," Ms Brown said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 25 Jan 2019

Lucy Wicks, Member for Robertson