Drainage works program will boost sports fields’ usage in Port Macquarie and Wauchope

DRAINAGE improvements across all three playing fields at Findlay Park have now been completed.

The work included installing subsurface drainage lines at three-metre spacings, sand slitting across the playing surfaces, and construction of a main drainage line connecting to the existing stormwater outlet in the south-west corner of the park.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council contributed $235,336 towards the Findlay Park drainage project, alongside a $100,000 contribution from Port Saints Football Club, through Northern NSW Football’s facilities fund.

The drainage upgrade will improve field performance, reduce wet-weather impacts and support more reliable use of the popular sporting facility by local clubs and the community, according to Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts.

“Good-quality sporting fields are an important part of our community, providing places for people of all ages to stay active, connect and enjoy local sport,” he said.

“These drainage improvements will help make Findlay Park’s playing fields more resilient to wet weather and support their ongoing use by local sporting clubs.”

The project was identified as a priority in the Findlay Park Master Plan, formally adopted by Council in May 2025 following community and stakeholder consultation.

Other drainage work planned for the coming months includes:

– Fairmont Gardens Sporting Fields in Wauchope.

– Field five of Stuart Park Regional Sporting Precinct, supported by funding through the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program.

The works form part of the council’s ongoing program to improve sporting and recreational facilities across the Port Macquarie Hastings region.

“These projects reflect the importance of maintaining our sporting facilities and helping provide local clubs and the community with quality spaces to play, train and stay active,” Roberts added.