The Barossa Council has endorsed the extension of the oval at Tanunda Recreation Park at a Special Council meeting held on 26 October.
The oval will be lengthened from an existing 160 metres to 171metres.
The investment coincides with the current renewal of the oval, which is well advanced after Belair Turf was appointed the successful tenderer in August.
Council said there is no better time to do this work than now while contractors are on site, describing it as the most efficient and cost-effective way to deliver these improved service levels.
The extension of the oval is a long-term investment and will make Tanunda Oval comparable to similar sized grounds in the Barossa and the main oval planned for Lyndoch.
In endorsing the plan, Council stated "this is an investment in our future generations, irrespective of any prospect of national or state sporting games."
The long-term investment responds to local, regional and State aspirations, and will deliver improved community recreation and sporting assets as well as economic event and tourism opportunities.
The investment of $303,000 - the equivalent of $10,100 a year for the life of the asset - will commence immediately and includes extension of the playing surface, irrigation, fencing, tree removal and associated changes to parking and viewing mounds.
The project does not impact other works already planned in Council's 2023-24 budget.
Council will also review the tree replanting program in conjunction with the Tanunda Recreation Park advisory committee and previous landscaping community group. This will identify further opportunities to replant trees as outlined in the original masterplan for the site, now that the majority of works in the plan are complete or near completion.
The tree replanting program review and stakeholder engagement will be prioritised and completed as soon as possible.
The oval extension will be ready for recreational and sporting use as early as possible in 2024.
Photo credit: Pixels Above
