Port Macquarie Hastings Council is closely monitoring the conditions of the region's sports fields with a decision on their suitability to progressively re-open, following prolonged wet weather, to be made this week.
Significant rainfall since the beginning of the year, including the impacts of the recent severe weather event and limited drying opportunities, has left many of Council's sports fields waterlogged and unsuitable for play.
"Incredibly, we have experienced just 16 fully dry days since January 1 this year, with close to 500mm of rain falling in the rain gauge at Port Macquarie Airport in the month of May alone," Mayor Adam Roberts said.
"This level of inundation has not just affected the condition of our 60 sporting fields, but it has also impacted the state of our parks, playgrounds, reserves and roads - all requiring significant Council resourcing to inspect, assess and schedule for repair.
"Many of these assets were not only affected by waterlogging, but there was debris, damage to irrigation, electrical infrastructure and access constraints.
"It goes without saying that it has been a challenging period for our community. I would simply urge that we please be patient and consider the significant amount of work that is being done to assess and restore all assets, including sports fields.
"I have been reassured via an update today by Council staff that there is a significant amount of work being done to prioritise their re-opening, however, the safety of players must come first.
"That means allowing the right assessments to take place and the required time afforded to each individual field to dry out so that they meet appropriate playing standards. It is also important that electrical infrastructure at sporting venues is safe and does not present hazards to users.
"Laurieton, Lake Cathie, Wauchope, and Camden Haven sports fields have all been assessed this week, and I believe decision will be made ahead of the long weekend about their status - which may include some re-openings albeit with limited-service levels such as mowing and line marking.
"Please continue to stay across Council's sportsfields status website for the latest status information regarding closures and re-openings across the region."
