By Bridie Byrne
A GROUNDBREAKING sports field in Point Cook will help end the devastating impact of the drought on local clubs.
The State Government last week announced a drought-proof synthetic turf suitable for football and cricket.
It has also provided a giant step forward in securing the future of grassroots sport.
Sports Minister James Merlino said the new surface would not need a drop and would withstand up to 50 hours of weekly use.
“We know the average cool season grass oval can need up to as much as seven megalitres of water each year just to keep it alive, and in the face of the drought most clubs are restricted to around 20 hours of use on their grounds per week, assuming it is fully watered,” Mr Merlino said.
The sporting ground forms part of the Point Cook Road Reserve master plan unveiled earlier this month.
The $1.8 million multi-sport precinct is set to cater for football, cricket, soccer and tennis on an 18-hectare site in Point Cook Rd.
Point Cook Cricket Club president Joe Polzella said the development had to start sooner rather than later.
He said the council had promised the facility years ago and had failed to meet the growth demand.
“We are frustrated with the timeline, a minimum of five years before we can play on it,” he said.
“We can’t function properly the way we are now and we haven’t for years.
“There are not enough facilities, there are too many players and not enough grounds.
“We can’t advertise…because we struggle to accommodate what we have.”
The club has capped its six senior and 11 junior sides, which train at the Dunnings Road oval.
The cricket season was marred last year with match cancellations as the drought made grounds unplayable.
