Mortimer Oval will soon receive a new white fence as part of an overall strategy to create an improved sporting precinct in Lismore.


The strategy ensures that the oval is aesthetically pleasing, safe and encourages the community to participate in sports and recreation.


The oval has recently completed new amenities upgrades and will receive $115,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund to build the new PVC fence.


Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the fence would be a great new look for the club and help everyone engage safely in local sport.


“A new fence will ensure the oval is a safe and active environment for people to participate in sports with a reduced risk of injury. Currently, the oval is unable to host higher aged youth football matches due to the safety issues surrounding the boundary line a so a new fence would enable these matches to occur,” Mr Franklin said.


“Providing easily accessible places for people to participate in sport and recreation, especially young people, is really important and I’m thrilled the Stronger Country Communities Fund is able to help.”


The project involves the installation of white PVC fencing around the oval and six gate access points.


Mortimer Oval previously received funding and successfully built a new amenities block and a footpath around the oval. This renovation increased local active engagement with cyclists, runners and skateboarders using the precinct regularly.
The oval is used by the local community for sports including cricket, Australian Rules Football, school sport and general recreation.


Although the 2020 season of local winter sports has had to be suspended in line with the Public Health Order, it is hoped community sports will be able to continue again before the end of the year.