Work to repair drainage problems at the Rutherford sports ground would take about three months to complete and cost about $150,000 to $250,000, according to a Maitland City Council staff report that councillors will consider tonight.

The report has recommended that the work be scheduled for the 2015-16 summer period after council has spoken with the various sports groups that use the ground.

The Mercury reported in May that as little as 5mm of rain on the grounds could cause football matches to be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons.

Cr Nicole Penfold, who raised the issue with council, said the site required extensive work.

“While I am disappointed they can’t be accommodated in the current year, due in part to commitments made to other summer users, I hope that discussions between council and the football club [Rutherford Football Club] can explore any possible interim improvements in the meantime,” she said.

The council report noted that about 20,000 square metres of grass would need to be replaced as part of the work to allow uneven ground, which had caused the problem, to be repaired.

It noted that the drainage problems meant the facility had been under-used.

“Norm Chapman Oval was constructed over 30 years ago and a major ground refurbishment is justified and has merit,” the report noted. 

“If the project goes ahead there will be an opportunity for 

council to address other issues in the immediate area such as completion of the cycleway connection to the recently completed RMS highway road works and other necessary maintenance works on the facility.”