State funds for second oval

clubs and schools including improved playing surfaces for competition and training activities, improved safety for the players and maintenance that will assist the long term sustainability of the fields.

"The development will also improve access opportunities for a wide range of community groups and individuals and will attract and encourage additional use of the facility by women, families, people with disabilities and young people.

"The proposed new facilities will meet all relevant standards and improve safety and comfort of players and spectators well into the future."

Western Park committee of management chair Tony Flack said the user body was delighted that the project had finally come to fruition.

"When the oval was first built 40 years ago it was said for the clubs to share the facilities and there will be a second oval," he said.

"To see it finally come to fruition has delighted many people."

Mr Flack said the development at Western Park would attract players to the area, along with catering for the growing community.

"Players have trained under the dull lights at Logan Park and said I'm not playing here," he said.

"Logan Park has been great for several clubs but it has its limitations.

"School kids can get here on walking track and bicycle tracks, so its safe to get here.

"We will continue to work with the Shire to get this facility as good as it can be."

AFL Gippsland regional manager Travis Switzer said they had been advocating for the project for the past three years.

He said the development would open up further opportunities with a significant number of people playing football in the area.