Construction at new facilities at Coonabarabran Sporting Complex is scheduled to begin in December.

The upgrades are primarily funded under the former state government’s Resources for Regions and will mean the region will have new amenities, changerooms, storage facilities, a kiosk, and a first aid room.

Nicole Benson - Manager of Urban Facilities at Warrambungle Shire Council, told the Western Plains App that there is a $890,000 budget to construct the new amenities.

There are currently two sites under consideration at different ovals, with the final decision to be made around June.

Coonabarabran Sporting Complex Advisory Committee has held several in-depth meetings about the project where an alternative site was discussed adjacent to the existing facilities.

The group is also developing a strategy for these facilities based on existing and future sport and recreation demands.

“The current facilities are very old and dated,” Ms Benson told the Western Plains App. “It’s costing more just to maintain it”.

“At the moment, we are putting together tender documents ready to advertise for the construction of the project,” she said.

The Hon. Sam Farraway MLC, Nationals candidate Annette Turner and Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Cr Ambrose Doolan when the funding was announced.

Image: Warrumbungle Shire Council.

The construction is part of the over $ 1.5 million worth of funding secured for the upgrades of four sporting facilities in Coolah, Coonabarabran, and Mendooran announced in December 2022.

 “Warrumbungle Shire Council has been successful in obtaining $1,553,946 for upgrades and expansions to the sporting ovals in Coolah, Coonabarabran and Mendooran and investigation into the redevelopment of Coonabarabran Pool,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan.

The Coonabarabran Sport & Recreation Centre was first constructed in the 1970s and received a series of upgrades in 2019 with $324,438 from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund, topped up with $100,000 of Council's own funding.

Those upgrade works saw replacement of internal stairs to the gym, replacement of clear roof sheeting, lighting upgrades, installation of new emergency exit doors, new windows and installation of heating and cooling throughout the building.

The Shire Council expects the new amenities to be completed by June 2024.