Turf supply issue delays sport field reopening

BALLINA Shire Council has cited issues with its turf supplier as the reason for ongoing delays in reopening the Williams Reserve sports field at Lennox Head.

Upgrades at the facility, which included new turf, were expected to be completed in time for the winter sports season.

“The wet weather has significantly impacted our progress, and the turf supplier has been unable to harvest and provide turf due to the conditions,” a council spokesperson said.

“We’re doing everything possible to complete the works as quickly as possible.”

The site has been fenced off since December and was due to reopen with new turf following upgrades to its irrigation system.

The project had already been delayed earlier in the year due to the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March.

The Lennox Head Trojans rugby union club, the main users of the field during winter, have temporarily relocated to the fields on Hutley Drive.

Meanwhile, the winter months will also see temporary closures at the Alstonville Aquatic Centre and Ballina War Memorial Swimming Pool for essential annual maintenance.

Ballina pool will close from Sunday, June 1 and reopen on Monday, June 30. Alstonville will close from Tuesday, July 1 until Thursday, July 31.

The Ballina pool will remain open while Alstonville is closed, and pass holders can access either facility during the respective closures.