Harvey’s biggest sporting facility is undergoing major redevelopments ahead of the 2019 South West Football League season.
Late last year, the Shire of Harvey discussed proposed changes to the Harvey Recreation Ground/Harvey Bulls Football Club premises.
Council unanimously voted to give the club the necessary planning and building approvals.
The club has since begun developing a new change room facility for its women’s team.
In order to create the new change rooms, the club had to demolish the CJ Hanks Pavilion.
The club had originally planned to redevelop the pavilion.
They were told it would be more beneficial to rebuild than to “attempt to modify an existing ageing building”.
Council acknowledged the popularity of the South West Football League’s women’s competition, both in Harvey and the region.
Harvey Bulls Football Club president Joe Rognetta said the facility would deliver updated change rooms, a warm-up area, and spaces for training and rehabilitation equipment.
“We were going to make it into a gym, but it’s now going to be a ladies change room facility,” he said.
“It’s great seeing this come to fruition and it’s good to give women’s football a home. They now have their own change rooms, toilets etc.
“Women’s football is really taking off.
“This is going to benefit the South West because it will give the other teams more of an incentive to play in Harvey.”
The club put forward $65,200 for the project, while also receiving $57,600 from the Department of Sport and Recreation and $50,000 from the Alcoa Sustainability Fund.
The Bulls are also developing a new coaches box/interchange bench – next to the north-east lighting tower – to replace the existing bench.
With construction under way, Mr Rognetta is counting down to the new season.
“We’ve got new facilities and our function rooms etc. are magnificent,” Mr Rognetta said.
“It’s a very family-oriented club.
“We’re here to help out where we can, and people are more than welcome to come into our club at any time.”
Mr Rognetta said the change rooms and interchange box were due for completion in May.
The shire recently approved the demolition of the Harvey Recreation Ground’s old bar structure, acting on a request from the Harvey Agricultural Society.
Council also discussed the possibility of a Nature Play Playground and improved drainage for the ground.
For more information visit Harvey Bulls’ Facebook page.
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