Thumbs up for $13.9m oval plan

The multimillion-dollar upgrade of a key sporting precinct in Karratha is a step closer after the council endorsed the master plan. The $13.9 million upgrade of the Kevin Richards Memorial Oval, also known as Millars Well Oval and the Kattery, includes a new playground for children, three multipurpose courts, and a new pavilion. Other features include a men’s shed, new clubrooms, and an upgrade to the existing lighting. At the ordinary meeting last week, City of Karratha councillors endorsed the master plan with an amended motion to include the Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue running track as part of the design. The delivery of the multimillion facility is planned to be delivered over multiple stages, with stage 1a, worth $1.73m, focusing on the development of the play space and northern car park, while the $7.3m stage 1b will focus on the new club room and change rooms. A council spokesperson said endorsing the master plan was a significant milestone for the project. “The City has been working closely with the community and user groups, and will continue to do so as we proceed to the detailed design of the first stage of the master plan which includes the play space, northern car park and club and change room,” they said. The spokesperson said future stages would be planned and budgeted for during the City’s annual budget planning process. “The City will continue to work with the Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service on the relocation of their fire running track and associated infrastructure for the medium to long term, however these facilities will remain in situ for the short term,” they said.