State Government commits $1.65m funding towards Port Noarlunga Oval upgrade

After years of community campaigning, a long-awaited upgrade for a southern sports oval is one step closer following a crucial funding announcement.

After years of campaigning, a $3.3m upgrade of a southern suburbs oval is one step closer.

This week, the State Government committed $1.65m matching Onkaparinga Council’s funding for the Port Noarlunga Oval upgrade.

The upgrade would include a new clubhouse and changerooms to be used by the Port Noarlunga football, netball, tennis and cricket clubs.

Port Noarlunga Football Club president Jason Davidson said the funding announcement was great news after years of waiting.

“The last upgrade we had was probably in the 70s when some change rooms were added so there hasn’t been much work down for a very long time,” Mr Davidson said.

“It’s really exciting, we’re looking to new adventures in a new upgraded clubroom.

“It’s going to provide an area for us to have shows with all our members involved, the club is growing at an immense rate and the new clubrooms will showcase that.”

The existing clubhouse and changerooms at Port Noarlunga Oval. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

Artist impression of a $3.1 million clubroom to be built at Port Noarlunga Oval. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

The upgrade would be undertaken in two stages and includes the demolition of the existing changerooms and clubrooms.

The new clubhouse would include four unisex changerooms, four umpire changerooms, kitchen, kiosk, social area, spectator deck, medical room and offices.

Onkaparinga Council Mayor Erin Thompson said the announcement was a big win for the community.

“We’re also excited women will finally receive their own dedicated changerooms to support their participation in sport and particularly the growing Australian rules football competition,” Ms Thompson said.

“The new facility will provide new community spaces including the social space and kitchen, both for club members and creating further opportunities for revenue generation through community use and events.”

The State Government has announced it will fund the remaining $1.65m needed to upgrade Port Noarlunga Oval. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

Since 2018, the clubs and local community have called for an upgrade to the clubrooms and facilities.

Last year, radio star and former Adelaide Crow Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald – who played junior football at the club – wrote to Onkaparinga Council to campaign for funding of the project.

Local Government Minister Vickie Chapman said the State Government was thrilled to be contributing to the upgrade of such an important community asset.

“The construction of the new changerooms and clubhouse will create local jobs and become a center point for the ever-growing Port Noarlunga community,” she said.

Local Labor MP Chris Picton said the success of the campaign was a collective effort by the whole community.

“The southern community is very excited that the campaign for this redevelopment has been successful,” he said.

“There are more houses being built in this area every day and we therefore need the facilities to keep pace.”