Heavy rainfall prompts change of venue for City Oval SFNL matches

Published on 21 April 2017

Tomorrow’s Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) matches between Imperials and Ouyen at Number 1 Oval will be moved to Number 3 Oval in the wake of heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, which prompted a re-assessment of the ground.

The decision was made in consultation with the Sunraysia Football Netball League, local football clubs and the turf contractor to ensure the new playing surface is not compromised.

It was agreed by all parties that given the unusual volume of rain (more than 31mm in less than 24 hours) and continuing wet weather today, the relatively new Number 1 Oval surface could be compromised if this weekend’s matches went ahead as planned.

This decision is in line with ongoing communication throughout the project that the oval would need to be managed carefully during the first 12 months given it is used significantly more than any other football playing surface in the region.

Mildura Rural City Councillor for Recreation and Sport Mark Eckel commended the cooperation of the groups involved.

“From the football clubs, the SFNL and umpires, through to the turf contractor, everyone has cooperated well this week and all understand given the unusual conditions and the need to carefully manage this new surface,” Cr Eckel said. 

Sunraysia Football Netball League Executive Officer Peter Walker said the relocation of this weekend’s matches was the right decision given nearby Sarah Oval was available. 

“Given the amount of rain we had overnight, which I believe was more than the average for the month, and the new playing surface, it just makes sense to relocate tomorrow’s matches to Sarah Oval to avoid comprising the Number 1 Oval playing surface,” Mr Walker said. 

The turf contractor took advantage of yesterday’s downpour to apply a further one tonne of fertiliser to the new surface. 

As part of this weekend’s precautions, parking will not be permitted on the harness racing track as this asset must also be protected from potential damage given the heavy volume of rain. Similar precautionary closures of the track have occurred in the past following heavy rainfall. 

All netball games at the Mildura Recreation Reserve will be relocated to the Number 3 Oval courts following an assessment of the rain soaked grass and soil area conditions immediately adjacent to the Number 1 courts, however junior football matches will go ahead as planned on Number 2 Oval. 

Council will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders to manage usage of Number 1 Oval throughout the 2017 SFNL season to ensure the best outcome for all parties.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au