It’s just one outcome of many in the Young Sports Advisory Committee’s Sporting Needs Study and Strategic Plan funded by the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS).

Now in its third year, the $1.2 million upgrade is nearing completion with the final projects soon to commence.

Consultation with user groups is underway to ensure the designs for upcoming projects - the extension of the Gus Smith Oval amenities, canteen and storage block; and the proposed new amenities, canteen and change rooms at Hall Bros Oval - meet user needs prior to finalising.

Earth from the western side of Hall Bros Oval - the designated position of the new amenity - has already been removed and used as fill in the Cranfield Oval redevelopment.

The completion of the new facilities at Hall Bros will also allow the demolition of the already partially knocked down change rooms and toilet block in preparation for a new car parking area.

The next stage of both projects are expected to commence at the end of the year, with the intention of having them complete for 2017 winter sports.

Other works underway and nearing completion are the upgraded sports lighting at Cranfield Oval, with planning and investigation underway for an additional light tower at Sawpit Gully.

Sports Advisory Committee chairperson Ben Cooper also mentioned members of the Committee will test new technology this month in preparation for an improved PA system that will link all sporting ovals, broadening opportunities for regional carnivals to be held in Young.

“It’s great to see the hard work of the Sports Advisory Committee coming to life with practical projects on the grounds now being completed,” Cooper said.

“We’ve provided better facilities for clubs to train in during all winter sports and hopefully the soccer parents appreciate not getting bogged at Gus Smith Oval,” he laughed.

Completed projects include the upgrade and installation of lighting at Keith Cullen, Sawpit Gully and Miller Henry Ovals; carpark upgrades at Gus Smith and Keith Cullen Ovals; and amenities improvements at Henry Miller and Alfred Ovals with the assistance of the Young Saints AFL Club, Young and District Greyhound Association, and the Young Cherrypickers Rugby League Football Club.

“I will continue to support local sporting clubs as they push to upgrade sporting facilities,” Cooper said.

“Sport is such an important part of our community and I see the huge benefits it brings to participants and those who attend sport as a social event.

“Building on our capacity to host regional events allows us to boost sports tourism in the Cherry Capital.”