Shire of Dardanup unveils $6.6 million Glen Huon Reserve upgrade

The Mail was contacted by multiple members of the community who were troubled by the state of the ground during Sunday’s football matches between the Eaton Boomers and the Collie Eagles, which resembled a mud-wrestling pit. 

Among the messages, there were fears the surface had caused a number of players to leave the ground with knee and ankle sprains.   

Shire of Dardanup chief executive officer Mark Chester told the Mail the construction process has had a negative affect on the drainage at the ground. 

“The water logging in front of the buildings was caused by the heavy equipment and vehicle movement during construction compacting the ground,” he said. 

“The Shire has been pumping the water away to remove the water pooling. The oval has also been earth quaked every four weeks in an attempt to open up the soil profile to reduce surface water prior to the start of the season.”

Mr Chester said the oval was inspected weekly to ensure it was safe to play on, a fact echoed by South West Football League general manager John Vidos. 

“The ground is inspected before games but it does appear to be holding a lot of the water from recent heavy rainfalls,” Mr Vidos said.   

“Having had virtually no real home games this year, Eaton are keen to play their games there and player safety is considered as a primary concern before each match gets the go ahead.”

Mr Chester said no formal complaints about the safety of the surface had been received and discussions were being held to determine a solution and how any works would be funded. 

“Solving the problem entirely will require a full assessment of the works required and may include the removal of the organic/clay layer to be replaced with a free draining sand,” he said. 

“This would require the oval to be closed to use for a period of time to allow the disturbed surface to regrow.”

The ground is scheduled to host two more South West Football League games in the coming month and may be used to host a finals match should the Boomers finish the season strongly. 

Away from the playing surface, the work at Glen Huon Reserve has provided the Eaton Boomers Football Club and Bunbury & Districts Softball Association with state-of-the-art facilities. 

The 250 square metre main pavilion features a kitchen, a bar and a function space that can be hired out for private events. There is also an adjacent building with changeroom facilities for home and away football teams, umpire rooms and equipment storage space. 

A secondary pavilion overlooking the two softball diamonds, features a commercial kitchen for events catering and game day food along with change rooms and offices. 

Minister for sport and recreation Mick Murray officially opened the new facilities, noting the passion of the people who fought to get the ground’s facilities upgraded. 

“Football is a passionate game and while there were some early arguments about how best to redevelop this space, the work got done and the new rooms will give sport in the South West another big boost,” he said. 

Recounting anecdotes of his time playing and coaching the Collie Eagles Football Club, Mr Murray said he knew first hand the proud history of sport in the region. 

“These renovations have been designed with the future in mind and cater for the rapid increase of female participation in sport,” he said. 

Shire of Dardanup president Mick Bennett said it was great to see the pavilions open and ready for use and while issues around drainage and parking where still being worked through, the community should be pleased with the results to the point. 

Funds from the project included a $3.2 million state government contribution through the Department of Sport and Recreation, $1 million from the Shire of Dardanup reserve fund and close to $900,000 from land sales conducted by the Shire.