Improved Turf Facilities Set To Benefit Players Across The Northern Rivers
Casino Cricket Club has secured a $10,000 funding boost through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program, paving the way for significant improvements to its turf cricket facilities at Queen Elizabeth Park.
State Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson announced the funding, which will support the installation of new irrigation systems at the club’s two turf fields, QE7 (John McDonald Oval) and QE2. The project is designed to improve pitch preparation, turf quality and long-term maintenance of the playing surfaces.
The upgrade will involve excavation works around each pitch, installation of pipes and sprinklers, connection to the main water supply and the introduction of an automated timing system to improve irrigation efficiency.
Mr Williamson said the project would help maintain high-quality sporting facilities while supporting the future growth of cricket in Casino and the wider Northern Rivers region.
“Casino Cricket Club plays an important role in providing sporting opportunities for players of all ages across the region,” Mr Williamson said.
“These upgrades will support local competitions, attract visiting teams from across Northern NSW and continue to provide quality turf wickets for senior, junior and female cricketers.”
Casino Cricket Club Secretary Clinton Carey welcomed the funding, describing the project as a major step forward for the club’s grounds management.
Until now, volunteers have relied on hand watering and portable sprinklers to maintain suitable moisture levels for pitch preparation. The new system will deliver regular, targeted irrigation, helping improve pitch consistency while reducing the workload on ground staff and volunteers.
Mr Carey said maintaining regional-standard facilities was essential for a club that hosts and competes against teams from throughout Northern NSW.
The improved wickets will benefit senior, junior and female players and support events such as the Lismore Under-12 Carnival and the T20 Women’s Smash.
Mr Williamson congratulated the club’s committee, volunteers and players on their successful grant application and thanked them for their ongoing contribution to community sport in the Richmond Valley.
