Upgrades to Enable Major Events

An artist's impression of the new Jubilee Park facilities.

Whyalla City Council has commenced preliminary work for major upgrades at Jubilee Park, which will provide new facilities for local sporting groups while enabling Whyalla to host major regional events.

The upgrade – made possible by over $400,000 funding from the State Government, which has been matched by Council – will see new unisex change rooms, new amenities blocks, covered walkways and additional footpaths and paving.

Mayor Clare McLaughlin said the upgrade would bring a host of benefits.

“There’s been an increasing number of local sporting groups and other associations using Jubilee Park, particularly for training,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

“These new facilities will benefit those groups while enabling even more sports and individuals to start using the facility, in particular women’s sports – which are rapidly growing in popularity – and those living with a disability.

“This will help existing associations to be more inclusive in their offerings, while also reducing the demand on facilities such as Bennett Oval and Memorial Oval, helping improve their condition and longevity.

“It also means we will have enough modern, suitable facilities to attract and host major regional carnival events, which were previously unattainable. This can have significant flow-on effects for the local economy due to the number of families that generally stay in the host city.”

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard said it was fantastic to see this project get underway, given the positive impact that it will have on the community.

“It’s so important for South Australian sporting groups to have the right facilities in place in order to support continued participation and growth within clubs,” Minister Hildyard said.

“I commend the Whyalla City Council on the steps they have taken through these upgrade works to create an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and supported to equally and actively participate.”

To make way for the new facilities, the former softball clubrooms have been demolished. Although serving the community well for many decades, these no longer meet current service level requirements, with the softball association now using Weeroona Bay Football Club facilities.

Council will continue to provide updates on the timing of installation of the new facilities later this year.

“This is part of council’s aim to activate multiple areas across the city to create more options and opportunities for the community,” Mayor McLaughlin said.