Future of football ovals on agenda

A shake-up of Bunbury’s football clubs could result in relocations, a state-of-the art Sports Excellence Precinct and residential developments in the city.

Payne Park — the home of the Bunbury Football Club — has been identified as prime real estate for a residential development and neither Bunbury City Council or the club is ruling out a move.

Nationals WA Bunbury candidate James Hayward revealed plans this week to prioritise upgrades to the “outdated” Hands Oval facilities during his election campaign and said Payne Park and Kelly Park were earmarked for the next stages of redevelopments.

While spruiking an upgrade at Hands Oval valued at $15 million, Mr Hayward told theSouth Western Times Hay Park had the potential to be developed into a home ground for either, or both, Bunbury and Carey Park football clubs.

Mr Hayward said the money raised from rezoning the clubs’ existing ovals could be used for redeveloping Hay Park into a “hub” for football to complement Hands Oval.

However, Carey Park Football Club president Michael Martinson has ruled out a move and said the club was in the midst of looking at plans to redevelop its home ground.

Part of that redevelopment could include rezoning some of the land for residential living.

Bunbury Football Club president Tom Busher said for the “right proposal” and if it was beneficial for the club, it could consider a move, but it had “no interest” in sharing a home ground.

“Bunbury needs three clubs and three ovals, that’s how we see it,” Mr Busher said.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said while there had been some informal discussions with football clubs, the council was yet to receive any development applications or have any formal consultation.

Mr Brennan said Payne Park was “absolutely” prime land for residential use, but it was a matter for the football clubs to consider.

“The council of the day could look at that, but that’s premised on whether Bunbury Football Club approached council,” he said.