The home ground of Wallumbilla’s Herefords Cricket Club may soon resemble the hallowed turf of ‘The Gabba’, thanks to the installation of a new pop up sprinkler system.
Powerlink Queensland chief executive Merryn York said Powerlink had partnered with its construction contractor, Downer, to contribute $24,000 towards the sprinkler system in time for summer and the start of cricket season.
“The importance of improving the Wallumbilla showgrounds oval was identified through extensive consultation undertaken by the Maranoa Regional Council,” said Ms York.
“With the help of Downer, we were able to deliver something that generates long lasting benefits to the local community as part of our work to extend the high voltage electricity transmission network into the north west Surat Basin.
“I’m told that for the first time the playing ground can be seeded, which will significantly improve the playing surface for many more cricket seasons to come.”
Wallumbilla Herefords Cricket Club President David York said the sprinklers also offered a number of cost savings for the small local club.
“The new sprinkler system uses considerably less water than the previous above-ground travelling irrigator,” Mr York said.
“The system was custom designed for our club and thanks to its automation feature we can program watering for specific times.
“Where we previously had to physically set up and turn the above ground irrigator on and off as needed, we can now just hit a switch and it takes care of itself. That’s a huge time saver for the club’s busy members.”
Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan said it was fantastic to see the installation of the sprinkler system, which will provide long-term benefits to the showgrounds.
“With the addition of an environmentally-friendly sprinkler system, the Wallumbilla showgrounds will continue to be the hub of sport and recreation for residents well into the future. It will also ensure the grass stays a welcoming green,” Cr Loughnan said.
“I congratulate both Powerlink and Downer for working closely with council to support the local cricket club throughout the installation.”
“Downer is very pleased to partner with Powerlink and the Wallumbilla Herefords Cricket Club to install the new sprinkler system,” said Trevor Cohen, executive director of Downer Utilities.
“The introduction of new sprinkler technology provides significant time savings in the maintenance of the grounds as well as delivering a better quality of irrigation that will allow the grounds to be used for a wider variety of activities and creates a sporting and recreational precinct for the local community,” added Mr Cohen.
The new sprinkler system was on show on Saturday when the Herefords hosted a hotly contested social cricket match with representatives from Powerlink, Downer and the Maranoa Regional Council.
Powerlink expects to complete construction activities in the north west Surat by early 2016.
