The sporting landscape in Dubbo is changing and after community interaction there is now a strong feeling the redevelopment at No. 1 Oval and potential construction of a sporting precinct at Charles Sturt University will “benefit everyone”.
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There has been much conjecture about No. 1 Oval since Dubbo MP Troy Grant and the state government announced an $8 million redevelopment in August of this year.
The proposal would mean the removal of the current cycle track in order to extend the playing field and attract major events such as men’s and women’s Big Bash League matches, AFL NSW carnivals and a host of other junior sporting events.
Hosting those events and more athletes would inject an estimated $1.1 million into the economy.
An information evening for all sporting clubs affected by the change was held at Apex Oval on Wednesday evening.
The original announcement was met with fierce opposition from the Dubbo Cycle Club, which stated it would be a shame to see history ripped up, while a number of other sporting groups also had questions.
Wednesday evening’s meeting was run by the Dubbo Regional Sporting Council and Neil Webster of that group said he was delighted by the turnout.
He added it was pleasing to give everyone the facts regarding future options and put to bed much speculation.
“It was excellent. We didn’t really know what to expect but we had about 50 there and we were happy with that and there was lots of sports represented,” Webster said.
“It was very important and everyone got to have that first look at some options.”
There would be benefits for everyone in Dubbo.
- Neil Webster
Dubbo Regional Council’s Murray Wood, the Director Community and Recreation, gave a presentation on Wednesday in front of representatives from rugby league, rugby union, cycling, cricket and AFL as well as other community members and councillors John Ryan and Vicki Etheridge.
The biggest thing to come out of the night is a proposal to move the cycling track to a new development at CSU for an estimated cost of $3.9 million.
In what would be one of the state’s leading sports precincts, a track there could potentially be alongside a multi-use indoor facility and netball courts while there is also talk of leading English Premier League football side Liverpool FC setting up an academy in place there.
The major reason why it would be attractive to major sporting clubs is the fact it would tie in with the university, which is keen to increase it’s sports science programs, in what has been labelled a ‘regional sports hub’.
There is obviously plenty which needs to be done for the hub to become a reality but Webster said it was an exciting time for Dubbo.
Another meeting, more of a Q&A session for sporting groups, will be held at Apex Oval next Wednesday.
“There’s a tight time-frame there. We’ll have special general meeting next week … we want one submission from each club and then we can put that in a report and summarise the information to give to council on December 11,” Webster said.
That date marks the final Dubbo Regional Council meeting until February of next year so Webster said it was important sporting clubs and associations got their feedback to the Sports Council by next Friday.
“We want everyone to have their say,” Webster added, stating the views of every club and association will be valued.
Next week’s meeting will be at 6pm at Apex Oval.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
