Drought threatens tournament

By Shaun Inguanzo
A COMBINATION of drought and tough water restrictions has nearly destroyed a Springvale soccer club’s plans to host a tournament this summer.
South Springvale Soccer Club will host a soccer tournament in January at Warner Reserve, providing there is sufficient rainfall or that it uses recycled water to keep its pitch from becoming so dry that it is unsafe to play on.
The City of Greater Dandenong Council has the power to stop clubs using pitches if the surface is too hard and dry.
With water restrictions prohibiting sporting clubs from watering their playing grounds this summer, the council warned South Springvale it may not be able to hold its tournament, as a dry pitch could result in serious injuries.
City of Greater Dandenong engineering services director Tim Tamlin said a dry and rock-hard pitch could lead to officers deeming the pitch unsafe for play.
On Wednesday last week the club met with council officials and struck a deal that if necessary, the club would provide recycled water to ensure the pitch was not an injury risk.
Springvale North Ward councillor Alan Gordon said this agreement would enable the tournament to take place.