It was reported that the repeated vandalism occurring to the amenities block has meant that little maintenance has been carried out, as it has been seen as a lost cause trying to keep it clean and in good condition.

Councillor Keith Sullivan said he believed the block needed better security to reduce vandalism.

“It needs a security camera, and also needs a security fence around it,” he said.

Councillor Clive McCarthy also made the suggestion that it needed to be painted.

It was decided at the Council meeting that work be referred to the Engineering Department for immediate action to clean and secure the existing amenities block.

The Department took action and has since made a number of repairs to the block, including painting the inside of the block and the eaves, any graffiti has been washed off, and the block has now been tidied up and is functioning.

Despite this action, the availability of $100,000 from the Federal Budget and also $180,000 in the Recreation Facilities Reserve makes the plan for a new amenities block possible.

Bruce Fitzpatrick, general manager of Oberon Council, reported that the Working Group has been developing a plan and costings for a Multi-purpose Sport and Recreation Centre in Oberon.

No decision has been made at this stage where the Multi-purpose Centre could be sited, and therefore if the centre was to be built near the Recreation Ground, there would be no need for a new amenities block at the grounds.

Mr Fitzpatrick reported, however, that the issue of the facilities at the Recreation Ground still needed to be addressed, and that a new facility, with the possibility of a grandstand, could be built.

To address concerns about the unsightliness of the proposed grandstand on the south-west corner of the Recreation Grounds, Mr Fitzpatrick said it was now proposed that the new building be located on the northern side of the Recreation Ground and could include change rooms, toilets and showers, storage facilities, referee change rooms, public toilets and some spectator shelter. The design of the building would leave open the option of adding a grandstand later, after public consultation.

The Council resolved that investigation continue into the costs and location for a new amenities building, including toilet and change room facilities, with the option of adding a grandstand.