The new sports complex. At last!

February 1, 2024

There has been talk around Oberon for some time about the building of a new sports complex, and now it looks like something is really happening.

It's all happening.

Oberon Council submitted the application to the relevant government authorities, and $7 million dollars of funding is guaranteed through grants. No objection was to the application, although one small speed bump appeared.

The current zoning of the land allowed for the construction of sporting fields and all associated buildings and infrastructure but what nobody knew or didn't notice is that there was a restriction on the particular land use - it didn't allow for a licensed club. As the club is a fundamental part of the plan, an application was made to remedy this oversight. Approval was granted and this removed the last hurdle before the bulldozers could move in.

The location for the sports complex is at the intersection of Albion Street and O'Connell Road, from the roundabout to opposite Highland Pine and to the electricity substation respectively. The land has no buildings or structures on it at present so preparation of the site just had to wait until all the approvals were in place and any legal issues settled.

The complex is planned to have two rugby league fields, which can also be used for soccer and union, two sealed netball courts, a hockey field (maybe grass, maybe synthetic), car parking and a grandstand which will incorporate change rooms as well as the licensed club.

It's a very ambitious plan, but it's something the town needs. Construction started a little later than first predicted and the completion date will be estimated as the work proceeds. There is a lot of work to be done but when it's finished Oberon will have first class facilities and the ability to attract competitions that now have to be played elsewhere for a variety of reasons.

See also: The official start to construction of the new sports complex

Better and more convenient sporting facilities increase the likelihood of residents taking up sports. Oberon already has an excellent golf course, reasonable areas for athletics and one of only two indoor tennis centres in regional NSW. The new sports complex will make the sporting life of Oberon even better. And what could be better than watching the Tigers from a comfortable grandstand seat rather than standing out in the rain?

The traditional artist's impression of what the action will look like.

Here is a statement from Oberon Mayor Mark Kellam:

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