COUNCILS WORKING TO SECURE CRICKET SEASON

Gosford and Wyong Councils are using rainwater tanks and stormwater to irrigate turf cricket wickets to ensure the current water restrictions do not hit the summer cricket season for six!

Gosford City Council has seven turf wickets at Rogers Park, Umina Oval, Adcock Park, Fagans Park, Gavenlock Oval, Duffy’s Oval and Erina Oval.

Wyong Shire is home to four turf wickets which are located at Baker Park, Bill Sohier Park, Harry Moore Oval and Taylor Park.

The current Level 4 water restrictions prohibit the use of town water for the irrigation of playing fields. To overcome this Gosford and Wyong Councils are utilising rainwater and groundwater for irrigation. 

The Councils’ have installed large (35,000 litres–150,000 litres) rainwater tanks at seven of the parks and will collect rainwater run-off from the adjoinng pavilions and amenity blocks as well as stormwater from the adjacent car parks. Rainwater from both Councils’ tanks will be pumped via a pre-existing underground irrigation line to the wicket area.

Groundwater is being used for irrigation at Rogers Park and Umina Oval and will supplement the rainwater supply at Erina Oval and Gavenlock Oval over the next few months.

Wyong Mayor, Bob Graham said “The current water restrictions would have had significant consequences for our turf wicket ovals and the Shire’s summer cricket program because the condition of the wicket could have potentially compromised player safety during matches.”

Gosford Mayor, Laurie Maher agreed ”It would have been a loss to the community if we had to close them because of damage from the on-going drought.  Now we have an efficient and sustainable method for harvesting water for irrigation that’s independant of the town water supply.”

The collected rain and stormwater will allow enough water per week to keep the cricket wickets operational throughout the summer.

Media Contacts

Hayley Cambourn:    02 4350 5215 (Wyong)

Janet Saunders:       02 4325 7075 or 0438 191 238 (Gosford)