Sports ground relief

By Shaun Inguanzo
TEN Greater Dandenong sporting ovals will receive a much-needed watering after authorities granted exemptions from tough water restrictions this week.
South East Water revealed that councils which submitted a water conservation plan would be eligible for exemptions to water one in four of their sporting ovals in a bid to ensure the livelihood of local sporting clubs.
The City of Greater Dandenong’s engineering services director Tim Tamlin said the council had 63 ovals and would apply to water a further six ovals to meet its one in four limit.
Mr Tamlin said the council was compiling a list of ovals it would water.
Major facilities such as Shepley Oval and Noble Park Reserve are likely to be watered due to their high use.
A combination of drought and tough water restrictions since Stage Two have meant most grounds throughout the city have become too hard to play on safely.
The issue first arose in Greater Dandenong in November last year when the City of Greater Dandenong and the South Springvale Soccer Club met to discuss how a dried out pitch would affect a forthcoming summer soccer tournament.
Since then, a dry summer has left many wondering the fate of their sporting clubs with Stage Two and Three water restrictions prohibiting grounds from being watered.
South East Water managing director Dennis Cavagna said water authorities had worked closely with sporting bodies to strike a balance between reducing water use and maintaining a playable sports surface.
“There’s no doubt that under Stage Three water restrictions everyone, including sporting clubs, will have to cut back their water use,” he said.
Mr Cavagna said the one in four rule would apply to other institutions.
“Under Stage Three water restrictions, councils, schools and sports clubs are required to prioritise by nominating one in four sports grounds that can be watered, provided they make a 25 per cent saving in other areas,” he said.