THE prized grass surface of a Maryborough sports ground was damaged extensively after a gold digging prospector cut a series of deep holes into the oval.Police are calling for witnesses to the gold dig which has infuriated organisers of a Scottish cultural festival and athletics competition set to take place on New Year's Day.Maryborough Leading Senior Constable Jason McDermott said about 15 basketball-sized holes had been cut out of the Princes Park oval."It looks like someone's been prospecting out there," he said.He estimated the damage would cost up to $1000.Prospectors are still drawn to Maryborough which was once renowned for its rich gold deposits.Central Goldfields Shire general manager of corporate and community services Wayne Belcher said the oval would be repaired in time for the Maryborough Highland Gathering on New Year's Day which also coincided with the Maryborough Gift race.Mr Belcher described the dig as "senseless"."Never have we had anyone dig up our sporting oval like this, it's wanton vandalism," he said.However, he was confident the oval's surface would be in good condition before the race."We'll get it back, there's no doubt about that."Anyone with information can call Maryborough police station on 5460 3300.
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