Horsham Rural City Council director of technical services John Martin said, in a report to the council, that three tenders for the contract were received, from MKM Constructions, RA Plazzer Builders and Onley Holdings. 

He made the recommendation for the council to award the contract to MKM Constructions.

The Ballarat-based company had communicated to the council that it intends to use Wimmera contractors for all trades. 

Councillor Mark Radford said MKM Constructions had a positive reputation in the region. 

“(MKM Constructions) were the contractors for the Coughlin Park facility (in Horsham) so they have a proven record in our area,” he said. 

Cr David Grimble said the facility at Cameron Oval Reserve would be valued and well used by the community.

Cr Grimble said the Laharum community was self-resilient in the way they operated and handled their own affairs. 

“The time has come where they need assistance and there will be no doubt that once it is completed, it will be well utilised and appreciated,” Cr Grimble said.

Cr Grimble said it would be great to see the project finally commence after a long period of planning.

Mayor Pam Clarke said after a long process, this was a good outcome for the Laharum community. 

The report presented to the council said the current changeroom facility was “no longer fit for purpose”.

The existing changerooms will be demolished after a new multi-user building conforming to the Australian Football League Preferred Facility Guidelines is built. 

The council has worked with Laharum Sports Inc and Sports and Recreation Victoria for the past two years to progress the upgrade facilities at Cameron Oval Reserve.