MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is repairing significant turf damage at six of its sports ovals. Ovals at R J Rowley Reserve in Rye, Olympic Park Reserve in Rosebud, David MacFarlane Reserve in Sorrento and Emil Madsen in Mount Eliza were damaged after a contractor accidently applied the incorrect herbicide to the turf earlier this year. These ovals will receive major turf remediation works to restore them to competition standard and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Two further ovals, Boneo and Olympic Park Oval 2 are also impacted due to increased use as clubs relocated fixtures away from the damaged grounds. Works at Boneo are near completion and Olympic Park Oval 2 will also receive refurbishment works this spring.
The decision follows an investigation which found a seasonal herbicide product, accidentally applied by a council contractor, caused significant turf deterioration across the four reserves. Initial remediation works by the contractor did not result in the desired outcome of competition-standard sporting fields.
Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Stephen Batty said returning the ovals to their previous high standard was council’s highest priority.
“We are committed to working with the sporting clubs that call these fields home. While there’s never a good time to close sporting fields for an extended period, the wait will be worth it. These works are a long-term investment in community sport, not a band-aid fix,” said Batty.
Construction dates will be confirmed this month.
First published in the Mornington News – 22 September 2026
