By Rebecca Fraser
PLANS to build a junior sports facility in Narre Warren North have taken another small step forward with council approving the construction of a new oval and pavilion.
The facility, set to house the Narre North Foxes Junior Football Club and the Narre Warren North Cricket Club, was announced last September and followed a long and trying campaign by both clubs to accommodate their growing number of teams.
The $1.9 million development, to be located on Belgrave-Hallam Road, was set to include two ovals, both to be ready by the 2007 winter season.
However, the development has stalled in recent months and council has only been able to secure enough land for one playing field.
Negotiations are continuing to purchase enough space for the second oval and the sale has yet be secured.
Last Tuesday, May 16, the council issued a notice of decision to grant a planning permit for the construction of an open sports ground, including an oval, pavilion, car parks and access roads at the site.
Two objections have been submitted to Casey Council opposing the proposed development and the council must now wait 28 days to see whether these objections are lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
If objections are not lodged, the project will move to the tender stage.
Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson said this was another step towards providing a facility for the many young people living in Narre Warren North.
In a separate motion, Cr Wilson also moved that council officers convene a meeting with representatives from the NNFJC, the Dandenong District Junior Football League and ward councillors to discuss the allocation of appropriate training and match day facilities for the NNJFC for the 2007 football season.
Both clubs are based at Kalora Park Reserve in Narre Warren North or are using temporary facilities provided by Casey Council.
Cr Wilson said the new oval would not be ready by next season so the meeting would discuss ways to accommodate the clubs training needs until the development was ready.
He said he anticipated that the first oval would be ready by 2008 and said plans were already afoot to make Reid Reserve in Doveton available to the NNFJC until the new development was complete.
Cr Wilson said training lights at the reserve would be improved to accommodate the club’s training needs.
“We are trying to get things in place for the Foxes because they have another year to go until they can move to their permanent home,” he said.
