Mansfield Football Oval to be Watered

30 April 2007

Goulburn Valley Water has granted an exemption to the Shire of Mansfield to allow limited watering of the Mansfield football oval.

This exemption follows a request from the Shire of Mansfield who indicated that newly sown grass was in danger of dying, and this could prevent football being played at Mansfield in 2007.

Goulburn Valley Water’s Chief Executive, Laurie Gleeson, said that the Authority recognises that community activities such as football are very important to towns such as Mansfield. “The Mansfield community as a whole has responded in a very positive and responsible manner to the current water shortage and by allowing limited watering of the football oval we can give a little something back to the community”.

Mr Gleeson said that flows in the Delatite River continue to be below the minimum passing flow requirement specified in the Authority’s Bulk Entitlement. “In December the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change has temporarily reduced our passing flow requirements and over the past few weeks limited diversions have been possible,” he said.  “As a result of these diversions and the continued excellent observance of water restrictions by the Mansfield community the total water storage position has improved.”

“At this stage it is not possible for the Authority to reduce water restrictions for the wider community at Mansfield, as any reduction from Stage 4 restrictions will void the Minister’s approval of a lower passing flow limit,” said Mr Gleeson. “This would result in an immediate cessation of diversions until sufficient rainfall was received to allow more normal flows in the Delatite River.”

Mr Gleeson said that although it is possible to allow limited watering of the Mansfield football oval to occur, unfortunately, this exemption cannot be extended to football grounds in other towns that are on Stage 4 water restrictions.

“We are closely monitoring the water restriction position and I’m hopeful that forecast rainfall would allow water restrictions to be eased in the next few weeks,” said Mr Gleeson.

Authorised By L.J. Gleeson 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton