Wollongong City Council will begin work next week on the next stage of a water harvesting and irrigation system at Thomas Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow.

The $586,000 storm water harvesting project will be used to irrigate a number of sports fields at Dalton Park to help grow a grass surface that is green and lush for the sports on the park and for special events such as the NSW State Junior Touch Championships.

Council’s Manager Infrastructure John Shepherd said the water harvesting system will lead to healthy green grass and improve the playing fields for the community.

“Thomas Dalton Park is one of the busiest community reserves with touch competitions being played four nights each week through winter and summer seasons and also football, cricket and baseball,” said Mr Shepherd.

Council will take a small portion of the stormwater flowing in the Towradgi Arm Creek and divert it into the irrigation system to minimise the use of potable water on this site.

“As part of the work, we are also cleaning up the Towradgi Arm Creek which flows into Puckey’s Estate and eventually out to the sea next to the Lagoon Restaurant. We will build a new sediment basin and trash rack to capture litter, tree branches, pollutants, cardboard boxes and other items, preventing them from making their way into the creek and eventually out to sea.,” Mr Shepherd said.

“The NSW State Junior Touch Championships is currently the largest touch competition in the world and is held in February every year at Thomas Dalton Park. It brings more than $3 million into the city. Not only does this event bring in revenue, it showcases the city to families outside the area. The water harvesting and irrigation system will make the sports fields the best they can be to ensure this event stays in our city.”

The work is anticipated to be complete in September this year.
 
For more information you can visit Wollongong City Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or call the Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.