Ground restrictions lifted

SOCCER and football clubs across the Shire of Yarra Ranges now have use of their grounds.
The council has announced all grounds expect Mt Evelyn, Montrose and Yarra Glen are ready for the 2007 football season.
Mayor Tim Heenan says council’s grounds maintenance staff had worked hard to bring the shire’s sportsgrounds up to a satisfactory condition for winter sports and beyond, despite the abnormally dry conditions.
“Under the circumstances, we are still not allowing practice matches on our grounds, and we are limiting training to two hours per week per club, to minimise the wear and tear on the grounds and preserve them as long as possible,” he said.
The use of the shire’s grounds, which have been badly affected by the drought – Mt Evelyn, Montrose and Yarra Glen will be out of action for another month or so.
The grounds have been fully repaired and reseeded, and the council has asked local associations to move games to alternative venues while the new grass grows.
Cr Heenan says that for the clubs using these three grounds, it was a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.
“If the grass is allowed to establish itself for a month, the clubs should have a better surface to play and train on throughout the winter,” he said.