Fears raised for Glen Huon oval surface

Dardanup shire councillor Danny Harris believes the surface at Glen Huon Reserve is unsuitable to host a South West Football League game, just two months before it is scheduled for round one.

The council is midway through more than $7 million worth of upgrades which include new facilities for both the Eaton Boomers Football Club and the Bunbury and Districts Softball Association.

Last week Cr Harris had a bid to have $220,000 worth of upgrades to the playing surface rejected by the council.

Cr Harris said no football club would allow their team to play on the surface.

“It is a big risk,” he said.

“It has no grass on it at all near the club’s building, there is a flooded area on the east side of the oval and there has been excavation work taking place across the oval which needs repairing.

“It could not possibly be used unless it is repaired.”

Shire president Mick Bennett said the council wanted to wait until the upgrades to the facilities had been completed before deciding on funding to the playing surface.

“Council is not prepared to put any more money towards that oval until we know the final costs,” he said. “We only have a limited budget and we have to be mindful of that.”

Cr Bennett said he was aware of the issues with the playing surface, but believed it would have little impact on a game.

The Eaton Boomers are scheduled to host Bunbury at Glen Huon Reserve on Monday, April 17.

Cr Bennett said he expected the facilities to be finished by early April.

SWFL general manager John Vidos said the match could be played at Hands Oval if Glen Huon Reserve was not ready.