Liam McNally
A permanent home for the oldest Rugby Union club in the west is one step closer, however it will be at least three years before it has its own purpose-built facilities.
The Melton Warriors Rugby Union Club has been competing for almost 50 years, and has almost 300 members.
The club has never had its own specific rectangle pitch, and has been without a permanent home ground since upgrades to MacPherson Park began in 2019.
A report into options for a permanent home for the club tabled at a recent Melton council meeting outlined three options.
The first is Blackwood Drive Recreation Reserve (BDRR), which the club is currently using, however pavilion upgrades would be required make it a suitable long-term home, and sporting ground upgrades were described in the report as “not essential but important to The Warriors”. The sporting ground upgrades would include two north-south orientated playing fields with floodlights and supporting infrastructure including benches, a drinking fountain and an electronic scoreboard.
The report said should council commit to the further development of BDRR for rugby, a 3 to 5 year timeframe is realistic for works to be completed.
Option two is the future Weir Views East Sports Reserve (WVESR) which will comprise a four-hectare sports reserve located on the corner of Shelterbelt Avenue and Grazing Road, Weir Views. However, the ground is smaller than the preferred 6-hectare size for a Rugby Union facility and would take four to five years to develop.
The third option considered was Brookfield Recreation Reserve, however, its development is subject to council acquiring the land, and so no timeframe can yet be given.
The report stated the club’s preferred option is Blackwood Drive Recreation Reserve and it did not view Brookfield Recreation Reserve as a viable option.
Councillor Steve Abboushi said it’s pleasing that the preliminary assessments of three sites have been undertaken and the club’s preferred option is BDRR.
“There’s a lot of work still to be done to ensure the facility is fit for purpose which I am sure we will discuss, but it’s exciting that the club has a direction going forward,” he said.
“The past few years have been challenging for the club dealing with relocations and temporary home bases.
“I’d like to acknowledge their patience as we work toward the Melton Warriors having a permanent home which will provide a solid foundation for the future direction and growth of the club.”
