Rugby club’s plans for Cathy Freeman Oval

The proposed development will not restrict the current shared community use of the oval.

The fencing and spectator mound will encroach slightly on disused running lanes, which are marked but fading on the oval.

The club has outlined its plans, which are subject to funding, to council.

In the past, the club has experienced problems with vandals driving vehicles onto and digging up the playing surface.

The fence will help deter vandals and, like many other sporting clubs in the region, will also provide better separation between spectators and players and officials.

The fence must be three metres from the playing arena to meet rugby requirements.

The spectator mound, similar to other sporting grounds, would be built on the Wren Street side of the oval.

Slade Point Rugby Union and an athletics club used to co-lease the oval. However, the athletics club relinquished its lease and the running lanes are no longer line-marked.

The rugby union club’s lease on the grounds expire on May 31, 2028.

The club’s plans are also outlined on connectingmackay.com.au