Located in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs, the City of Darebin’s sportsgrounds will stay green despite the drought, with the planting of new drought tolerant turf at several key sporting fields. This will enable local sporting clubs to continue events as usual.
The prolonged drought has put pressure on playing fields remaining green and in a suitable state for play.
Under a jointly funded project with Sport and Recreation Victoria, Darebin began planting warm season, drought tolerant sprigs on four of its sporting grounds at the beginning of this year. They were then irrigated with recycled water, so that fields for football, soccer rugby and cricket are already fit
and ready for play this season.
“Sport is an essential part of our community life and it is vital that we maintain facilities, especially during times of prolonged drought,” aid Council’s Sporting Clubs Liaison Group Representative, Councillor Vince Fontana. “By using recycled water and drought tolerant turf, we are ensuring that these fields will be available all year round for our vibrant sport community.”
While the grounds will initially need close monitoring, it is expected that once the turf is established, it will need very little watering to maintain a good quality field.
Council expects to plant another four sporting grounds with the same turf next financial year.
For further information contact Council’s Turf Management Coordinator, Nigel Fernando, (03) 8470 8888.
