A NEW pavilion is earmarked for Albury's home of junior rugby league as part of improvements endorsed by the city's council.
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A draft master plan for Sarvaas Park in North Albury was approved last week and is now on display for public feedback.
The blueprint notes the council has $1 million funding, that includes a $350,000 NSW government grant, to erect a new pavilion and upgrade an existing amenities building.
However, the estimated cost is $1.503 million.
The Albury Thunder Junior Rugby League Club, the main user of the ground, sought unsuccessfully to seek federal funding for new rooms through a grants program overseen by former sport minister Bridget McKenzie.
The club would seek to bridge the shortfall for the pavilion via federal and state government assistance.
The new rooms would be built to the west of the existing building.
The most significant change in the last 12 months at the park has been the installation of a head-high perimeter fence.
At the council meeting last week, councillor John Stuchbery questioned why such a barrier was necessary, given the lack of ticketed events at the ground.
Councillor David Thurley said it had been requested to stop escaping on to nearby roads and risking the safety of children running after them.
Councillor Darren Cameron also noted a potentially sinister episode also helped triggered the move.
"I was proud to lobby for the fence for this facility, it came after a child was picked up or approached by a lady which may or may not have been quite innocent," Cr Cameron said.
"Many years ago....a young boy from Albury was murdered by a paedophile in Griffith and it is a very serious matter and the purpose of the fence is to provide additional security for children and juniors playing rugby league."
Under planned changes, toilets, which now face a car park rather than inward to the rugby league fields, would be re-oriented to open on to the park to bolster security.
The most immediate work is expected to be the creation of a new small field running east-west to cater to five to seven year-old players.
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