Collinsville Football Fields Ravaged

Before the repairs operations. Photo supplied: Whitsundays Regional Council.

‍

By Zach Houtenville

‍

Damage caused at the Collinsville Football Fields has left deep scars across the playing surface, but swift repair work is expected to have the grounds repared and ready for next month's Bacon Busters event.  

The damage was discovered last Wednesday morning, after overnight burnouts left deep ruts across the grounds, creating a hazard for anyone set to use the field.  

‍

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the incident was disappointing, with the cost of repairs ultimately falling back on the wider community.

"These aren't just tyre marks on grass,” Mayor Collins said.  

‍

“The damage creates safety hazards for players and impacts local sporting clubs, volunteers and families who work hard to keep these facilities in great condition for everyone to enjoy."  

‍

Council's parks team, assisted by a local Collinsville contractor, repaired the damaged areas the following day in an effort to minimise disruption.

Residents may notice the repaired sections looking different for a short time, with sand used during the restoration process expected to settle as the grass recovers over the coming week.  

‍

“I commend the Whitsunday Regional Council’s initiative to undertake repairs quickly so that any hazards on the fields are mitigated ahead of key, upcoming community events,” said Member of Burdekin, Dale Last MP.  

‍

“This is an incredibly low act by these grubs who have chosen to put their own entertainment ahead of an entire community, who has every right to expect our sporting fields are respected and used for the purpose they were intended.”

‍

While the vandalism left a costly repair bill, some say it has also drawn attention to wider community concerns.  

"I've also raised broader community concerns around increasing crime, vandalism and alleged drug-related activity in Collinsville with Member for Burdekin Dale Last, and I'm hopeful those issues can be elevated during discussions with Police Minister Dan Purdie next month," Mayor Collins said.

‍

‍

‍

"Looking after our shared community assets is everyone's responsibility, and together we can help ensure facilities like these remain safe and enjoyable for future generations."

‍

Mr Last said any rise in crime was unacceptable, pointing to funding for police and security upgrades to help prevent vandalism.  

“Any rise in crime in Queensland is unacceptable, whether it is in Collinsville or in a larger regional town or city, which is why I will continue to work proactively with our local police to ensure they have the tools they need to act,” Mr Last said.

‍

“As the Premier has made clear, our State Government is focused on ensuring our police officers have the resources they need to protect their community.

‍

“At the same time the Crisafulli Government has provided proactive funding measures for local councils to apply to improve CCTV surveillance as well as physical infrastructure upgrades.

‍

“These proactive measures go hand in hand with preventing and assisting with any investigations into instances of vandalism like we have seen in the Collinsville Football Fields.”  

‍

‍