IF the poisoning of Dubbo's main cricket pitches was vandalism, the strongest possible legal sanction should be taken against the person(s) responsible.
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The Dubbo City Council is treating it as vandalism. Police are investigating the incident and hopefully will get quick results.
A key question would be - what was behind the attack at Victoria Park?
Was it a mindless act carried out by bored, irresponsible youth - a major cause of damage to public property like the skateboard park, a bicycle path and other sites in the past?
Or was it a calculated act? Quite possible given that a plant-specific chemical was used on the pitches and indicating the perpetrator(s) knew what they were doing.
The pitches were torn up yesterday and the council will be racing to get the grounds back to top playing standard for important season fixtures.
It will cost $30,000 to $40,000 for the repairs. That is on top of the significant sums paid out in the 2013-14 financial year to clean-up after vandals.
The poisoning has disrupted the regular cricket season. Teams, players, administrators and supporters have all been victims of the act.
Sports and other facilities are developed using council funds raised from ratepayers. They are there for all Dubbo residents. Vandalism is an act against the whole community.
There is a reward for reporting on vandals. This is a case where someone should call police or the council.