Cr Bob Haddin said he feared approval of a water-based pitch would ‘send a wrong feeling about water, especially using so much on a hockey field.’

‘I don’t think we should be using council water like this in view of our current situation.

‘I think it would be more advisable to build a pipeline from the brick pit to the ground.’

‘It is just too much water to use.’

He said he disputed the figures presented in the development application.

Mayor Ken Keith pointed out that not using appropriate water supplies could lead to health risks.

‘I’m not sure whether the brick pit water would pass the health tests and may not be suitable if people suffer cuts and injuries.’

Council’s Director of Infrastructure, Kent Boyd reminded councillors council was going down the path of ‘ring mains’ which would go passed the hockey pitch, and it was possible this could be incorporated ‘down the track.’

Cr Barbara Newton also said she had ‘concerns’ about the amount of water which would be used.

‘Communities are dealing with water restrictions and I’m not sure we should be using water alike this at this point.’

Cr Haddin agreed council should be setting an example with water saving.

But it was pointed out that council was watering other local sporting facilities so ‘what is the difference?’

Mayor Keith said the hockey pitch would secure the future of the sport.

‘To attract major events to Parkes, there needs to be a water-based turf. It has been allright for other centres, it should be fine for Parkes.’

Cr Haddin again reiterated use of the brick pit and recycled water for the pitch.

‘Recycled water is used on lawns etc and kids fall over on that all the time.’

But Mr Boyd stressed water on lawns ‘soaks in’.

‘On this pitch it stays on the surface.

‘It should also be pointed out that the water-based pitch would actually use less water than with our normal grass ground watering.’

Cr Ken McGrath agreed more water was used on Pioneer Oval.

‘If we are going to have this facility, we have to do it right. It’s like getting a car without wheels otherwise,’ he said.

‘If that is what is needed, let’s do it. We have had other projects which have required water and we have provided for them, why not here as well.?’

Deputy Mayor John Magill pointed out that Parkes had ‘an extremely good record for saving water and being water wise.’

‘They (Parkes Hockey) just want a level playing field with other centres, and I can not see this affecting our situation.’

Mr Boyd reminded council that in ‘tough water times’, watering of grounds was ‘restricted.’

‘We would do this with the hockey pitch as well,’ he added.

Cr Keith said there was no reason why council could not investigate the use of recycled water ‘down the track.’

‘But I don’t think we can reject this application today based on those grounds.’

Mr Boyd said the brick pit water had a salinity problem, ‘but we can have a look at it.’

Cr Newton again commented that she was ‘concerned’ and ‘strongly recommended’ recycled water be investigated.

‘We should look at being more committed to using recycled water.’

Cr George Pratt felt there were other areas more needy of council’s water supply and that council should look at other supplies for ovals, sporting grounds etc.

Cr Keith the application was for a period of five years, ‘and hopefully the drought will be over by then and water will not be a major issue.’

‘Council’s long term plan is to use recycled water on grounds and ovals, and also on this hockey pitch.’

Cr Pratt added he had previously asked why so much water was used on Pioneer and Northparkes ovals, ‘and now this flooding of a hockey pitch is more.’

Planning Director Mr Campbell said council should not ‘feel guilty’ agreeing for the water to be used on the pitch.

‘It is not actually a lot of water.’

Cr Patrica Smith also chipped in.

‘If we had put this in six months ago, it would not have been an issue. We had plenty of rain then, even floods.’

Cr Magill felt recycling water was a separate matter and not

part of the hockey pitch application.

But he stressed council should investigate the recycling option.

‘If we want the town to grow and prosper, we need facilities such as this,’ Cr Wayne Scott

said.

The application was passed unanimously.