newy.com.au – Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has launched a petition calling on the City of Newcastle to install fencing and CCTV at council-owned sporting fields following repeated vandalism.
Ms Hornery said damage to fields and facilities was regularly disrupting community sport, with club volunteers often left to spend their own time and resources repairing grounds.
She said clubs already paid thousands of dollars each year to use council facilities, and fencing could prevent cars and other vehicles from being driven across playing surfaces. CCTV could also deter vandalism and assist police investigations.
“If someone broke into your house twice in 12 months, you would take immediate steps to ensure that adequate CCTV was installed, you would perhaps erect a fence around your property as a means of keeping unwanted people out. Why is Newcastle Council unable to do this for their assets?” Ms Hornery said.
“Yet this is what has happened to multiple Newcastle sports fields and facilities, the grounds are trashed by vandals, and the clubs are left to pick up the pieces for their kids to play sport.”
The petition has received support from local sporting organisations, including Newcastle Football, Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club and Wallsend District Cricket Club.
Western Suburbs secretary Dave Wild said two fields used by the club had recently sustained significant vehicle damage on the night before a round of junior matches.
“This caused significant angst within the club and playing ranks of sides playing that day,” he said.
Mr Wild said the club accepted the grounds were also open for public use but supported bollards or fencing designed to prevent vehicle access without otherwise changing how the community used the area. He said CCTV could also help prevent or investigate damage.
Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain said vandalism affected sporting codes across the region. While fencing the entire perimeter of grounds might not be acceptable to the broader community, he said strategically installed fences around playing surfaces could be trialled while retaining easy pedestrian access.
Mr Brain also backed community consultation, CCTV, clear signs, council ranger patrols and substantial fines as part of efforts to address the problem.
Wallsend District Cricket Club president Nathan Holloway said vandalism and break-ins affected clubs’ ability to provide safe and welcoming facilities. Volunteers were too often left to repair damage and restore grounds, taking time away from their core responsibilities, he said.
Ms Hornery said police worked to prevent and investigate crime, but the council could do more to protect its sporting assets.
“Our local Police do an amazing job to investigate and prevent crime, but we can’t stop every criminal from engaging in these actions, however, Council can take steps to ensure that their assets are protected as much as possible,” she said.
The petition is available to sign at Ms Hornery’s electorate office at 67 Nelson Street, Wallsend.
