Bathurst council revises its draft George Park master plan

It was three years ago that council drafted a master plan for George Park, a document designed to guide the future use and development of the sporting precinct, but it was never formally adopted.

READ MORE: George Park Master Plan matter deferred by councillors

After facing mounting pressure from the sporting groups that use the park, council has revised the draft master plan and will on Wednesday determine whether or not to place it on public exhibition.

According to a report, consultation with user groups in March was the driving force behind the revised document.

"The revisiting of the draft master plan has occurred as a result of the push from sporting stakeholders for council to set a clear direction in relation to future needs at George Park for the growth and development of sport," it states.

"This has been considered an urgent priority as it will enable sporting groups to plan for their future at George Park and be able to prioritise on infrastructure projects and upgrades that have the support and approval of council."

Should the plan be placed on public exhibition and later adopted, it would see the two fields completely revitalised.

"It is believed that field performance and playability of the turf surfaces of the two sporting fields will continue to create concerns for ground staff that are tasked with trying to provide acceptable, usable and safe sporting surfaces for all sporting and user groups," the report said.

"Further complicated by the lack of adequate in field drainage and appropriate soil structure, it is believed that as usage continues to increase, the need for major reconstruction works to the playing surfaces of both fields becomes even more necessary.

"It is for this reason that one of the key elements identified for inclusion within the revised draft master plan proposal for George Park is for the complete renovation of the two sporting field surfaces."

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