A LOCAL council is “disappointed” it was forced to replace sprinkler systems at two local ovals less than a decade after $2 million in irrigation upgrades were completed across the district.
Berri Barmera Council recently finished works on new above-ground watering systems at the Berri Main Oval and Barmera Memorial Oval, replacing subsurface irrigation installed in the 2011/12 financial year.
The new system was fully funded through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program (DCP), costing $110,000.
Berri Barmera Council CEO Karyn Burton said the subsurface irrigation system had “been a problem” at both ovals.
“The subsurface irrigation systems were a bit of a disappointment because they didn’t do what they were required to do,” she said.
“There were constant blockages as well caused by silt, and staff just couldn’t seem to get them working efficiently.
“Yet, we’ve had other areas that have been fine, particularly the smaller areas.”
The subsurface systems are still in use at other venues across the Berri Barmera district, including Alan Glassey Park.
Using dollar-for-dollar funding from the State Government and a $700,000 loan, council installed the subsurface irrigation in green spaces in Berri, Barmera, Monash and Cobdogla at a total cost of $2.13 million.
A project report presented to last month’s Strategy, Assets and Major Projects meeting outlined several issues with the existing irrigation system.
“The subsurface system has had numerous ongoing issues which are now unable to be effectively managed as the system is coming to its end of life,” the report said.
“Failure of the dripper tubes is now occurring, in conjunction with blockages which leads to inconsistent watering of the playing surfaces and, in effect, causes an increase in water usage to ensure effective overall watering of the oval continues.
“Installing new irrigation systems at both ovals will reduce costs, both in staff maintenance time and materials, and will provide a more consistent and efficient irrigation which will benefit the turf, and in turn, users of the facility.”
Local businesses were used to complete the upgrade.
Council is still working to deliver other DCP-funded projects, including reconstruction of the Berri river-front swim steps and the replacement of the Monash Adventure Park maze, after projects were delayed by the impact of COVID-19.