BUNTON Park sporting clubs will need to be patient with a blueprint for redevelopment of the rundown venue expected to take 20 years to become reality.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Improvements for the home of North Albury football, netball, cricket, bowls and baseball clubs contained in a draft master-plan approved by Albury Council this week include replacement canteen and toilet facilities, irrigation, drainage and lighting upgrades and new changerooms.
The council's team leader for parks and recreation David Armstong was quizzed on the timeframe for the proposed upgrades and whether they were actually achievable.
"Giving you a more finite timeframe is going to depend on the appetite of council to contribute to the funding as well other grant funding we may be able to get," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS
"Everyone knows the facilities at North need upgrading," he said.
"The lights are the pressing one, but the canteen, toilets, all need attention, but at least the ball is starting to roll."
Expressions of interest for a Thurgoona Golf Club-Liverpool Catholic Club style deal don't close until early October with mayor Kevin Mack seeking confirmation of the move revealed in The Border Mail nearly a month ago.
"Am I to believe the local and often maligned The Border Mail and understand that the North Albury Sports Club is looking for potential partners in the future?" he said.
"Are they looking at sharing the ground with another football club?"
Mr Armstrong said the merger partner search was a totally separate issue and council was more concerned with sporting-related facility improvements at Bunton Park.
Cr Henk van de Ven said the master-plan was a solid foundation to push forward.
"Having the master-plan enables us to have if you like nearly shovel ready projects should grant opportunities arise," he said.
"That then comes back on councillors to have that appetite for providing the funding to match any grant funding opportunities that may arise."
The council will also be looking for co-contributions to help fast-track upgrades in similar fashion to improvements at J.C. King Park, Urana Road Oval and Lavington and Albury sportsgrounds.
