THE redevelopment of Wodonga Bulldogs home ground Martin Park is in danger of slipping off the radar as Wodonga Council sharpens its focus on the multimillion-dollar Baranduda Fields project.
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The Bulldogs’ change rooms and grandstand are in urgent need of refurbishment.
But they are expected to miss out again when the council reveals its draft budget for 2013-14 next month.
Two consultants’ reports undertaken for the council in 2003 and 2007 each recommended the redevelopment or replacement of the Martin Park change rooms and grandstand be done as a priority.
The council plans for Baranduda Fields, revealed last June, would turn a 113-hectare vacant block into a big sporting precinct over many years.
The council was provided an update this week after councillors and senior staff visited Skilled Stadium at Geelong and a new facility at nearby Point Cook as part of a recent study tour.
The council would like to see a VFL team to be playing at a main stadium to be constructed at Baranduda Fields.
Wodonga has begun discussions with the Victorian government on planning and funding matters and been told the project met the guidelines of the community facility funding program.
It is also seeking other funding partners and will soon brief the newly formed AFL North East Commission about its potential.
Other features of Baranduda Fields include three “local” football-cricket ovals, lawn bowls greens, athletics track, baseball, softball and hockey grounds and two rugby fields.
The region already has two grounds capable of hosting AFL practice matches — Lavington Oval and Wangaratta Showgrounds.
Baranduda Fields was previously known as the Middle Creek recreation precinct, which was first touted by the council a decade ago.
The next step in the project advancing from concept to master plan stage is expected in the next year at a cost of $150,000.
The state government last year gave $15,000 towards building clubrooms at Martin Park No.2, known as Les Cheesley Oval.
It will be used by Wodonga Saints Football-Netball Club, Wodonga Cricket Club and the Wodonga Junior Football Club.
