Parking changes

Spectators are no longer allowed to park their cars around Horsham City Oval’s perimeter following a safety review.

The review identified parking inside the ground provided an ‘unacceptable’ risk, including the potential for vehicles to roll off viewing mounds surrounding the oval.

Council technical services director John Martin said parking inside the city oval was now restricted to the designated parking areas adjacent to the netball court and behind the main clubrooms.

There will be space reserved for disabled parking near the Baker Street entrance, with game day permits issued by Horsham Football Netball Club.

“There have been anecdotal reports of near misses at similar venues, where a car has inadvertently rolled forward and come close to colliding with families who are seated on the edge of the oval,” Mr Martin said.

“There are many other dangers associated with cars reversing or driving among spectators. Horsham Football Netball Club, the Horsham City Oval Advisory Committee and council agree that the potential danger must be eliminated. We must prioritise safety over short-term inconvenience.”

Mr Martin said the parking change was the first step in a series of improvements for the venue in the coming years.

A master plan will be developed, with all user groups involved in developing an enhancement strategy.

Horsham Football Netball Club chairman Geoffrey Lord said safety had to be the first priority.

“We understand Horsham Rural City Council’s decision. While this might be a change from past practice, we realise that for the safety of the community, in particular our supporters, families and visiting teams that this decision has been made,” he said.