Labor promises new turf for Baldivis Brumbies if it wins election

THE Baldivis Brumbies are literally running the gauntlet of injury by being forced to play on turf in dire need of repair.

Brumbies Director of Football Jamie McGillivray said it had been an ongoing issue for five years at their home ground, Baldivis Oval.

He said dying and dead grass had created an uneven surface, presenting a high risk of serious injury to players.

“It’s really sparse, there are different breeds of grass with small green patches around each sprinkler head,” he said.

“We have been pleading with council for years about this but nothing has happened. We thought they were just waiting for the new complex to go ahead.

“With more than 800 members we just had to press the importance of maintaining the grounds for our club.”

Presently the club uses both Baldivis and Settlers Hills Ovals.

An impromptu meeting on January 30 arranged by Labor’s Baldivis Candiate Reece Whitby and club officials brought an announcement.

“I had a look at the poor state of the oval with some of you on the weekend,” Mr Whitby said.

“It was really bad with dust and sand patches everywhere.”

“I have just had it confirmed that Labor has allocated $100,000 to install new improved turf and a modern and efficient new irrigation system to ensure a safe, modern sports field for years to come.

It hinged on two factors; that Labor wins the election and that the City of Rockingham met Labor halfway with repair costs.

“Funding would be available on a dollar-for-dollar basis, based on the City of Rockingham contributing matching funds to complete the $200,000 project,” he said.

Mr Whitby said he had secured a deal with the City for immediate relief.

“Emergency water supplies will be trucked to Baldivis Oval to ensure the grass gets enough water and a new bore will be installed,” he said.

Mr McGillivray was cautious but welcomed the pledge.

“If it comes to fruition it is fantastic. We are definitely grateful Reece and Labor have come to the table with this and we certainly appreciate getting council on board,” he said.

“Now we just have to wait and see if it happens.”City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels confirmed the pledge and that the City would honour it.

He said the City had already done some work and would do more regardless of election outcomes.

“An investigation showed insufficient water is being supplied to the oval, so another bore will be installed. Late last year the City laid new turf in the centre square and goal square for the finals,” he said.

“The water supply will be upgraded to the oval. Installation of an additional bore will commence shortly.

“The replacement of the reticulation system and returfing of the oval will be given consideration following the outcome of the election.

Mr Whitby said Labor’s plan would begin at the end of the season.