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An Oval For All Seasons

Cricket players are looking forward to the start of drainage and irrigation works on Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve No. 2 Oval.

By Bass Coast - 13th April 2012 - Back to News

"Current drainage doesn’t cope with the winter rainfall, so the ground is too wet and the cricket season usually can’t start until December. 'While the ground is in great condition throughout the drier summer months, it saturates quickly in winter because there is no proper drainage.

"This makes it unplayable at this time of year," said Mr Satori.

"These works will allow us to get on the oval much earlier in the year to prepare it and hopefully start playing cricket on the turf wicket in October."

With better drainage the oval is also expected to be used in winter for school sports, junior football and additional agricultural show events.

Bass Coast Shire Council Community and Economic Development Director, Steven Piasente, said the new irrigation system will ensure that watering is measured and systematic.

"Over time this will also create a more even and healthy grass cover. These works will allow the oval to be used year round. At the moment, poor drainage has meant the oval is currently only used over four to six months of the year," Mr Piasente said.

Drainage and irrigation works have started and will take approximately twelve weeks to complete (weather permitting). During the works and for a recovery period of several months afterwards, the oval will not be available for use by the public.

This $200,000 project is underway thanks to a Sports and Recreation Victoria Grant of $60,000, along with $35,000 from Wonthaggi Workman’s Cricket Club, Glen Alvie Cricket Club and the Turf Wicket Committee who look after the wicket. Bass Coast Shire Council contributed the remaining $105,000 funds.

Council has appointed Aussie Drains, an experienced drainage contractor, to undertake these works.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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