Colac’s Western Reserve Oval re-opens for sport

Published on 21 April 2022

Council is pleased to report Colac’s Western Reserve Oval will re-open for sport from today, following successful installation of additional drainage lines on the south-west side of the oval to improve the performance of the surface and prevent water pooling, especially after heavy rain.

The works were funded by the Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Phase 3 program, and were completed following consultation with all key user groups of the Western Reserve Oval.

“Our assessment is that the previous works were well constructed in accordance with the contract by an experienced local company. The issue seems to have simply been that the specification for that contract probably should have had more drainage lines in place,” said Tony McGann, Colac Otway Shire Council’s Acting CEO. “We are now looking forward to a night football match this Sunday between home team the Colac Imperials and South Colac, which should be a real spectacle.”

After football season has concluded, Council’s contractor will return to site and complete the rest of the drainage work on the north east/netball side of the ground.

Council will work with the Colac West Cricket Club and the Colac and District Cricket Association to relocate some of the training and games early in the 2022/23 cricket season, while the balance of the drainage work is completed. The club and association have both been informed of the situation and the impact to scheduling of matches. More information will be available once the fixtures for the season are developed.

“We are pleased that works undertaken have been successful with re-laid turf re-establishing well thanks to the extended spell of warm weather we’ve experienced,” said Mr McGann. “Council apologises for the inconvenience this has caused local clubs, and expresses our thanks for the support and cooperation we have received.”

For more information, please visit: www.colacotway.vic.gov.au