By Ewen McRae
Vandals have struck Moorabool sporting and recreation facilities, causing thousands of dollars damage in recent weeks.
While all sports facilities are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maddingley Park and the Moorabool Regional Sports Hub (Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve) have both been damaged.
At Maddingley Park, there has been damage to two rotundas, a seat and the rose garden. A chain mesh fence around the tennis club was cut, with rubbish and broken glass strewn everywhere.
At the Regional Sports Hub, extensive damage has been inflicted on the brand new BMX track, leaving some sections requiring resurfacing.
Moorabool mayor David Edwards condemned the damage, and said while the total cost was still being calculated it was an expense that could have been avoided.
“Leaving aside the fact that the people doing this were breaking the state lockdown rules in place, to cause such damage and behave in this way is disgusting and idiotic,” Cr Edwards said.
“I’d implore residents who witness anyone behaving in a suspicious manner or blatantly causing wilful damage to phone police and report it.
“This is money that could be spent elsewhere. It’s incredibly frustrating to have to spend money fixing assets that are damaged or destroyed through these despicable acts.”
A post on the Bacchus Marsh BMX Club’s Facebook page said while the restrictions on recreation activity across the state were easing up, the track would be closed until repairs could be undertaken.
“People have taken it upon themselves to visit our facility with Remote Control Cars and Motorbikes destroying our track surface making it unsafe and unusable for BMX activities,” the post said.
“As a club our volunteers will be holding many working bees to rectify the damage that is estimated at $15,000-$20,000 so we can resume club activities in the near future.
“Until these works are completed the track is unsuitable for use.”
Police are investigating.
