Wagga Wagga City Council will enter into a contract with Wagga Rugby League for Stage 1 of the Harris Park amenities upgrade project, funded by NSW Office of Sport, Wagga Rugby League and Council.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday (7 April), Council endorsed entering into a funding agreement with NSW Office of Sport and Wagga Rugby League for $955,000 in grant funding for the reconstruction of the Harris Park amenities.
Wagga Rugby League will contribute $30,000 to the project, with $318,790 to be allocated by Council through its Community Amenities General Purpose Revenue fund.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton says Harris Park, located in Mount Austin, is an important facility in the city, used for both cricket and rugby league competitions, as well as by the broader community.
"This project will involve renovating and upgrading a facility that was constructed in the 1960s and is now beyond its use-by-date and is not female-friendly," Mr Creighton said.
"Female participation in sports has been growing over the last 10 years, and Council has put a lot of investment into ensuring the sporting facilities across our local government area can cater for that growth.
"This upgrade at Harris Park aims to provide a space where females feel safe and comfortable when they're participating in their chosen sport and to encourage better participation from all sporting codes that utilize the field.
"Council will take a lead role in terms of managing the project and working with Wagga Rugby League to make sure that we get the great outcomes that we believe the community deserve."
The Stage 1 works will see the existing amenities building gutted and undergo a completely new fit-out, along with construction of an additional two facilities, as well as veranda areas, a bar and canteen facilities, and a meeting room.
It is proposed construction of the amenities will start once the local rugby league season wraps up later this year and be completed in the first half of 2026, ready for next year's football season.
