“The repairs were completed on Tuesday. We had water on both Walter and Mack ovals last night (Wednesday) and Tuesday night. The system will now continue with its regular cycle,” a Warrnambool City Council spokesman said.

Wednesday: TWO Warrnambool ovals expected to host cricket finals have been left dry for a month after automated watering systems broke down.

Albert Park grounds Waler Oval and Mack Oval were noticeably dry last weekend despite hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent on automated water systems in the past two years.

A Warrnambool City Council spokesman said a hole in the bore pump shaft was discovered last week which had resulted in the Walter and Mack ovals not being watered.

It's understood from club sources that the watering systems have been out of action for more than a month.

"We are currently waiting to receive parts to repair the bore pump shaft, and hope to have everything up and running again either late this week or early next week," the council spokesman said.

"The bore pump and shaft predate the recent irrigation upgrades, which have saved time, water and money by allowing the watering of the ovals to be done overnight on a timer," he said.

Two years ago the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association hosted senior finals at three Albert Park grounds - Reid, Walter and Mack ovals - to enable cricket followers greater access to the main games of the season.

On Wednesday morning sprinklers were operating at the north end of Walter Oval but Mack Oval was still dry.

In January 2017 the state government announced a $100,000 grant for the Walter Oval, saying the new systems would be more water efficient and less time consuming for sporting club volunteers.

Warrnambool City Council also contributed $120,000 to the upgrade of the ground, which included other works.

The council’s recreation & youth services manager Kim White said at the time the new irrigation system involved a smartphone system that protects against over-watering and under-watering, and could be activated with the touch of a button. 

In February last year the State Government announced another $90,000 in funding to upgrade at Mack Oval.

The funding enabled the council to deliver its Sports Ground Irrigation Improvement Program – Stage 3 Mack Oval.

The project scope included the installation of an automated irrigation system at Mack Oval, which included control software and hardware.  

The upgrade aimed to reduced water costs and significantly improved ground conditions and functionality at the oval.

The Warrnambool City Council contributed $45,000 towards the project.

There has also been a new pitch put in at Mack Oval, with all the works being completed before Christmas.