Sports ovals remediation works

Sports ground refurbishment.jpg

Council has a maintenance program in place for the ovals throughout the Shire, which it carries out via third party contractors.

We are currently repairing turf deterioration at the following sports ovals:

  • R J Rowley Reserve in Rye
  • Olympic Park Reserve in Rosebud
  • David MacFarlan Reserve in Sorrento
  • Emil Madsen in Mount Eliza.

These ovals will receive turf remediation works to restore them to their pre-deterioration standard and condition, together with other works intended to ensure their long-term sustainability. The Shire is working to complete this remediation work as soon as possible, and anticipates that this work will be completed by the end of the year.

Two further ovals, Boneo and Olympic Park Oval 2 are also impacted due to increased use as clubs relocated fixtures away from the above ovals. Works at Boneo are near completion and Olympic Park Oval 2 will also receive refurbishment works this Spring. 

RJ Rowley

Scope of works and timeline 

The remediation program is currently scheduled as follows: 

  • 23 September: First application of non-selective herbicide 
  • 24 September: Removal of irrigation heads 
  • 25 September: Installation of temporary fencing 
  • 28-29 September: Turf stripping 
  • 30 September: Field cultivation 
  • 1-3 October: Cut and fill works 
  • 3 October: Installation of a new concrete wicket 
  • 5 October: Soil amendments and reinstatement of irrigation, including an irrigation audit 
  • 6-9 October: Installation of approximately 15,000m² of new turf 
  • 10 October: Commencement of the turf establishment and grow-in period.

The installation date for the synthetic wicket surface is still being confirmed. 

Olympic Park oval 1 

Scope of works and timeline 

Preparatory works have now been completed at Olympic Park Recreation Reserve (No. 1 Oval), and the site has been prepared for remediation. The remediation works are currently scheduled as follows: 

  • 13 October: Stripping of the impacted area 
  • 14 October: Turf installation 
  • 15 October: Commencement of turf establishment period.

The remediation area is approximately one-quarter of the playing surface, located within the wing/pocket area of the oval. 

It is also worth noting that a significant amount of remedial work was completed at this site during the winter season. 

David MacFarlan 

Scope of Works and Timeline 

The remediation program is currently scheduled as follows: 

  • 08 October: Site Survey and assessment of existing conditions and surrounding infrastructure 
  • 10 October: Temporary Fencing erection surrounding oval 
  • 12 October: First application of non-selective herbicide  
  • 19 October: Turf stripping commencement 
  • 26 October: Sand material brought to site and levelling of the ground in preparation for turfing works 
  • 02 November: Turfing works commenced 
  • 09 November (Pending Weather): Commencement of the turf establishment and grow-in period.

Emil Madsen oval 2

Extensive remediation works at Emil Madsen Recreation Reserve are underway. Construction activities include earthworks, drainage and irrigation upgrades, sports field reconstruction and installation of new turf and cricket infrastructure. 

 

For more information contact us at sportsgroundsupport@mornpen.vic.gov.au.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Back to top