Last update: Monday 1st June 2026, 11a.m.

Council Natural Turf Sports Fields are OPEN

The decision to play is at the discretion of the Club, Association and Players based on their risk assessment for the safety of the players and the longevity of the playing field surfaces for the duration of the sporting season.

Conditions:

• The fields have been inspected this morning; there are numerous locations that are soggy and susceptible to damage.
• Council has undertaken an assessment of the playing surfaces and, at this stage, will leave the decision for play to proceed to the relevant sporting associations and clubs. 
• It is recommended that a risk assessment by clubs and associations be completed prior to each game to ensure conditions remain suitable and safe for play.
• Consideration should be given to measures that assist in reducing wear and minimising damage to the playing surface, including Shortening the field of play where practical, Reconfiguring field directions & Reducing periods of play where possible. These measures will assist in proceeding with fixtures while minimising risks to player safety and turf conditions.
• Please continue to monitor your relevant association communication channels for any updates regarding field status, training schedules, and weekend fixtures. Current ground conditions should also be factored into planning for training sessions throughout the week and potential impacts on weekend play.
• Please continue to monitor Council’s webpage for further updates.
   

Important Reminders:

• A risk assessment from individual playing associations is recommended prior to the days play, ensuring the safety of the players. This is also important for the sustainability of the playing surface. Council is committed to supporting the community with safe and well-maintained facilities.
• Training recommendations: To help preserve high-traffic areas (centre field and goal mouths), council recommends rotating training locations within the field, avoiding concentrated wear on specific zones and removing studs during training sessions to reduce turf damage.
• Please note: Any excessive damage to the fields may impact future fixtures, potentially resulting in games relocated or cancelled, as the playing surfaces may no longer meet safety standards. 
• To ensure the long-term condition and sustainability of sports field playing surfaces, Council considers a range of factors when assessing field use and may be required to temporarily close fields to protect turf quality and player safety. 
• Continued play during unsuitable conditions can also result in significant deterioration of the playing surface, potentially leading to final series matches being played on fields that are no longer fit for purpose.
• Only scheduled games are to be played on the fields. Games are not to be relocated from other areas due to field closures.
   

Assessments and Updates:

• Council endeavours to provide any updates of field closure / opening by 11:30am on the days that an unforeseen weather event occurs, or as early as practical when weather events are forecast.
• Each field will be evaluated individually and only those deemed fit for use will be re-opened and the remainder closed, if practical.