Ovals hit by big dry

By Callan Date
LESS than a quarter of Casey’s sporting ovals will be watered now that tough new Stage 3 water restrictions are in place.
Hard, dry and brown playing surfaces will be a common sight with about 65 of the city’s 85 playing surfaces going without water.
Casey officials will soon notify South East Water of 10 playing surfaces they want made exempt from water restrictions.
Under Stage 3 water restrictions councils can nominate one in four sports grounds to be watered, provided they make a 25 per cent water saving in other areas.
Casey works and operation manager Alex Lee said the 10 ovals would be chosen on the basis of two main criteria.
“We will be looking at how much sport is being played on the surface and also the standard of competition taking place,” Mr Lee said.
He said ovals hosting a high amount of sport would be considered over those that don’t get used as often.
Another 10 reserves throughout Casey will also be watered – with on site tanks being used to store recycled water.
“We have the ability to store water at several reserves and we will be transporting recycled water from Casey Fields to these sites,” Mr Lee said.
Waratah Reserve in Doveton, J and P Cam Reserve in Cranbourne and Sydney Pargeter Reserve in Endeavour Hills are among the surfaces that will be kept lush using recycled water from Casey Fields.
“The important thing to note is that all the ovals, except for two, are being watered with recycled water,” Mr Lee said.
Narre Warren North Reserve and Sweeney Reserve in Berwick currently have one-month exemptions as the grass has just been established.
The ongoing drought has already resulted in the majority of local football and soccer clubs being banned from conducting training on their grounds until further notice from the council.
South East Water managing director Dennis Cavagna said water authorities were working closely with organisations to find the best balance between reducing water use and maintaining a playable surface.
“There’s no doubt that under stage three water restrictions everyone, including sporting clubs, will have to cut back their water use,” Mr Cavagna said.