RESIDENTS of Bermagui are waiting for action on the ruined sports shed at Dickinson Oval, with the president of the local Aussie Rules club deeming it a “depressing” sight.
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On September 14 the shed was destroyed by fire (BDN, 18/9) under suspicious circumstances.
The fire not only gutted the premises, but incinerated the thousands of dollars’ worth of sporting equipment inside.
Over a month later the burnt out ruin, which is now surrounded by a protective fence, looks as it did the morning after the fire and residents have had enough.
“It’s a very sad reminder of what we’ve lost, it’s depressing to drive past every day,” Rocky Lagana, president of the local Aussie Rules team, said.
“Nobody needs that, not anyone in the town, not the club players and not the Auskick kids.”
Not only did the Bermagui Breakers lose their training and playing equipment, but all the children’s Auskick equipment was lost as well.
After a call out for help, Mr Lagana said the one bright spot in all of this had been the generosity of other clubs.
Teams in the Sapphire Coast AFL (SCAFL) donated equipment and 2012 AFL premiership team the Sydney Swans have also provided Auskick gear to the club.
“It just goes to show there are people out there willing to help,” Mr Lagana said.
The Bega Valley Shire Council said plans are in motion to remove the shed and start rebuilding, citing the ongoing police investigation as the hold up.
“The Dickinson Oval site will be cleared in the next few weeks as we have only recently received the go-ahead from local police,” Bega Valley Shire Council assets engineer Richard Cunningham said.
“Council is happy to advise that the site has been inspected by building inspectors and declared free of asbestos.
“We have requested quotes from three contractors in accordance with our procurement policy and we anticipate a decision to be made shortly.
“Council anticipates the clubhouse renewal to be of a similar scale to the original, using modern materials.
“The new building will comply with building codes and take in to account the possibility of sea level rise.”
Detectives from Bega police are still investigating the cause of the fire and are awaiting the results of forensic testing.
Police are asking the public to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information regarding the incident, which occurred around 4am on September 14.