Looma Community Oval set to benefit from $900k upgrade

The only Football field in the remote Kimberley community of Looma is set to get near-million-dollar upgrade as part of a significant investment in regional sports facilities. Announced earlier in March as part of the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, a $900,000 cash injection into the facilities at the oval, which hosts 2019 WKFL men’s and women’s premiers the Looma Eagles, will see new lighting and change rooms installed — facilitating more WKFL games to be played in the town. As part of the funding round, some $17,000 will also be spent on upgrades to lighting at the Derby Rodeo Grounds, and $90,000 spent on upgrades to the Nookanbah Community Oval. Shire of Derby-West Kimberley chief executive Amanda Dexter said the news was “fantastic” for the sports-mad West Kimberley. “Time outdoors and getting active is beneficial for everyone, so I think this is an investment all our residents will relish in the long-term. “We may also see more state, national and international sporting talents coming up through the ranks with new and improved facilities to train on — especially for our women and girls.” A condition of the grant would be that all project upgrades would provide opportunities for diversity, and be in line with modern standards for accessibility and inclusion. Sports and Recreation Minister Tony Buti said the funding was part of the State Government’s commitment to develop high-quality sport and recreation facilities to keep residents healthy and active. “It’s fantastic to see so many sport and recreation projects across the State benefiting from this funding, which will help increase participation in sport and recreation.”