RECONSTRUCTION of the netball courts at Ron Harborne Oval has begun.
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Around two weeks ago Moree Plains Shire Council (MPSC) removed the weather-damaged asphalt to make way for six new courts and a toilet block.
Moree District Netball Association president, Melina Shearer, said after years of liaising with the council, she was happy to see the old courts gone.
“We’ll now have two additional courts, a hedge to lessen the smell of sewerage, a string of lights, a proper car park and a toilet facility. The netball association is also going to fundraise to put a six-foot security fence around the courts,” Ms Shearer said.
“That’s to stop cars and motorbikes driving on it, vandals, glass on the courts and everything else we’ve experienced in the past.”
The process has been long, as the association waited their turn in council funding.
“We’ve been to many council meetings discussing budgets and what would fit into it. They’ve complied and we’ve agreed so it’s great. We will now be able to host another junior competition, mixed netball, and of course our state age and league competition.”
Last year, the netball association were to host a round of the state league competition but the courts were deemed unsafe for the umpires as the surface around the courts was uneven and there was too much water on the courts.
“The new courts will be laid with asphalt layers but they are going to try to budget in to have the soft floor like Tamworth so it’ll be electric blue and looking quite flash. Here’s hoping they’ll be able to budget it in.”
The council hope to finish the project by February with the netball season’s start date scheduled for May, although she said the committee would like to see the 2016 season start earlier.
“Now that we have the lights we could schedule the season for 12 months. Registrations cover you for 12 months and in the Summer there isn’t a lot of sports for young girls so we’re hoping to utilise the time and space.”
After a meeting with NSW Netball, the committee have full-support from Monique Smith.
“We’re taking on a program from her and she’s going to help us beneficially, financially, and information wise. This season is going to be bigger and better.”
The association look to have a club house, instead of a shipping container, in the years to come.
