Council & Politics
16 July, 2026
Council keeps cricket pitches safe all year 'round
“Council understands that incidents such as this raise understandable concerns about player safety and the condition of playing surfaces across the shire."
BULOKE Shire Council is assuring residents the cricket pitches that are set in the middle of some of their football ovals are safe to play on.
This message comes after Epping footballer Nathan Fitzgerald sustained serious head injuries during a reserves match, which lead to his death two days later.
Buloke Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure and Delivery Travis Fitzgibbon said council worked with the individual clubs to ensure pitch safety.
“We acknowledge the recent tragic incident involving Nathan Fitzgerald and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates and the wider football community,” he said.
“Council understands that incidents such as this raise understandable concerns about player safety and the condition of playing surfaces across the shire.
“Council is responsible for the long-term management of our valuable community sporting infrastructure.
“Oval maintenance and match readiness are the responsibility of the relevant sporting clubs, committees of management, and associated leagues, with leagues setting the required playing standards. Council officers do not inspect ovals or undertake works to prepare them for football matches.
“Before matches commence, clubs are responsible for assessing the playing surface and confirming that it is safe and suitable for play.”
Birchip, Nullawil, Sea Lake and Wycheproof all have turf cricket pitches. During the football season these pitches are not maintained to cricket standards, allowing them to remain softer for football. They are generally watered heavily following the cricket season to assist with the transition to football use.
Charlton has a hard wicket covered by synthetic turf matting, with rubber pellets applied to assist with stability and provide additional cushioning.
The matting was replaced this year after the previous surface had deteriorated. Donald has a hard wicket which is covered with soil and overlaid with roll-out turf during the football season.
Both Charlton and Donald treatments are in line with guidance provided in the AFL Preferred Facility Guidelines.
Read More: Charlton