Spring Creek Oval Reconstruction

Spring Creek Oval.jpg

Spring Creek Oval reconstruction has commenced in October 2025. 

The oval will be closed until March 2026 while works are completed and the turf is established. 

Spring Creek Recreation Reserve is a regional level sports facility hosting local and district level AFL and cricket competition. This facility has also hosted state level VFL matches. The oval size is 1.6 hectares, with 1 turf cricket square that can accommodate 5 decks, 2 sets of AFL type goal posts and 2 goal nets (one behind each set). The growth of participation in both football and cricket places significant demand on the oval.

Weekly work updates

Each week we will provide an update on the weekly progress. 

Works completed week ending Friday 28 November

This week work was completed on:

  • Completed the cricket wicket drainage gravel layer.
  • Completed wicket soil import and placement and covered until ready for turf.
  • Installed all irrigation lateral lines, perimeter lines and valve boxes including articulated risers and sprinkler heads.
  • Completed barrier kerb and semi-mountable kerb install.
  • Commenced installing 170mm Megaflos.
  • Commenced the import and placement of drainage gravel to the Northern end of the oval.

Works completed week ending Friday 21 November

Key items completed this week include:

  • Import and placement of drainage gravel to the cricket wicket.
  • Completed stormwater drainage pits and pipe install.
  • Rendering and flow moulds for stormwater pits.
  • Completed rock preparation for kerb.
  • Pedestrian and vehicle access gates set out.
  • Completed the irrigation feed from the pump and plumbed into the oval along with the electrical conduit.
  • Commenced the irrigation lateral pipe, articulated riser, and sprinkler head installation.
  • Lost 1 day on 17 November due to wet weather.

Works completed week ending Friday 14 November

Key items completed this week include:

  • Contractors have completed the subgrade stabilisation with 3% lime and 2% cement.
  • Subgrade final trimming, compaction testing, and proof rolling have been completed.
  • Stormwater drainage works have commenced, including installation of pits and pipes.
  • Installed the turf wicket table boxing.

Works completed week ending Friday 7 November

Key items completed this week include:

  • A geotechnical assessment was undertaken for subgrade in-situ stabilisation, recommending a stabilisation mix of 3% lime and 2% cement.
  • The contractor has completed the lime stabilisation and has commenced the cement stabilisation, which is expected to continue until Tuesday next week.
  • Once stabilisation is complete, the contractor will begin the stormwater drainage works.

Works completed week ending Friday 31 October

Key items completed this week:

  • Completed demolition of existing infrastructure as per demolition plans.
  • Exporting existing organic material and clay from earthworks cut.
  • Removed and disposed of the existing cricket wicket soil.
  • Continued earthworks cut to fill and compaction.
  • Geotechnical assessment carried out for subgrade in-situ stabilisation. Waiting for a response from geotechnical engineer regarding depth, lime, and cement mix %.
  • The temporary water supply to the practice wicket is now in place ready for use.
  • Lost 1 day Monday 27 November due to inclement weather.

 

Works completed week ending Friday 25 October

Key items completed this week:

Works commenced on Monday 20 November, and the contractors are progressing well on site.

  • Completed stripping and stockpiling of the existing organic material ready for export next week.
  • Completed demolition and removal of existing fencing and footings.
  • Removed AFL goal posts and footings.
  • Removed existing irrigation pipework and valve boxes.
  • Removed existing concrete kerb and disposed of site.
  • Installed truck access crossover and rumble grid.
  • Lost 2 days to inclement weather 22  and 23 November.
  • First meeting with Endeavour Turf Professionals (Hold Point inspection contractor),  Victorian Sports Group and Council Officers held on Friday 24 November to discuss the key hold point, witness point inspections, as well as other critical project milestones.
  • A detailed works program is attached for your reference.
  • Organised a meeting with the plumber on Monday 27 November to sort out/confirm the water connection for the nets/shed area. We will make sure access to water is not lost at any stage.

 

Victorian Sports Group Pty Ltd was awarded the tender to conduct the works for council.  

The project involves:

  • New turf and sub surface
  • Improved drainage and irrigation
  • Fencing, minor pavement and kerb works

Why is the surface being reconstructed?

  • The oval surface is poor and difficult to manage and doesn't recover well from the ongoing use from the Torquay Football Club in winter and Torquay Cricket Club in summer. 
  • The centre wicket and outfield do not meet current turf profile standards and there is a poor range of grass species. 
  • The estimated use of the oval is approximately 30 plus hours per week, which is well beyond the capacity of an oval with this soil profile. 
  • Water from nearby Spring Creek flows into the oval on high tide, and the slow discharge back to the creek results in damage to the oval's surface.  

Media release - Spring Creek Oval reconstruction moves one step closer


FAQs

What are the drainage issues at Spring Creek Oval?

Council are aware of the drainage issue at Spring Creek oval.

A new drainage design is included in the detailed design and will address the issues.

More information will be provided once the detailed design is received.

What will happen to the Torquay Cricket Club 2025/2026 season?

Council officers have been working closely with both the Torquay Cricket Club and Torquay Football Club when developing the plans for this reconstruction. 

The Torquay Cricket Club Men's turf team will play away for the summer season and the Cricket Blast program has relocated to Quay Reserve. 

Will their be a height increase of the oval?

Based on the findings of the geotechnical reports and the potential presence of a high-water table, we are aiming to minimise excavation. As a result, a Perched Water Table profile has been selected, which allows for high infiltration rates of approximately 45% and provides additional water storage.

However, the design consultant will also explore the possibility of adding a 100mm increase in height in the detailed design phase. The ability to increase the oval height is constrained by the existing infrastructure surrounding the oval such as kerbing and goal netting.

 

Will the length or width of the oval change?

There is no scope to increase the area of the oval in this project, but the site is restricted anyway due to the existing perimeter road and existing services.

The existing oval dimensions do not meet the desired minimums identified within the AFL Preferred Community Facilities Guidelines, but as the guideline it is noted that many existing facilities may not meet the preferred guidelines.

 

What is the project timeline?

The project timeline will be confirmed once the tender process is complete and a contractor selected.

A more accurate project timeline will be available once we receive the confirmed program of works from the appointed contractor.

Location

McCartney Oval, Torquay 3228  View Map

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