MORE than $7 million of public money will be spent on the Robertson Oval upgrade but just eight people – including a councillor – turned up to a meeting on the project’s progress last night.
Project manager, Wagga City Council’s Jarrod Bryant, said the turnout to public meetings such as last night’s one can bring small groups or larger contingents, but offering the public the opportunity to have their say and stay informed is important for the community.
The tiny group heard of the progress on the upgrade and what is yet to come – from lighting and drainage to playing surfaces and fencing.
One of the most controversial aspects of the upgrade, the choice to install 500 lux upgradable lighting with the option to upgrade to a quality for HD television, caused barely a blip on the radar of the community members in attendance.
Issues that were raised included whether the parking in the area is sufficient for major events and questions were asked about how the project was going in regards to the budget.
Mr Bryant said there was parking available in the area and up to a 500m to one kilometre radius of the oval, something he believes may require a “re-education” of people in Wagga.
“In Sydney people walk far further and use public transport,” he said.
“Most major events will be held in the evening, primarily, and on weekends when car parks (in the area such as at the Marketplace) aren’t going to be used to their capacity,” he said.
Post holes, like plugs, will be laid under the playing surface and located using GPS technology to allow a cross-code ground.
Council has ordered rugby league and soccer posts, which can then be inserted into the plugs when they are needed.
Email a friend