Gold dig at Maryborough oval

By Benjamin Preiss
Updated November 2 2012 - 3:10pm, first published December 2 2010 - 2:09pm
Central Goldfields Shire general manager of corporate and community services Wayne Belcher and CGS parks and gardens worker Russell LeTisser survey the damage to Princes Park. Picture: Maryborough Advertiser
Central Goldfields Shire general manager of corporate and community services Wayne Belcher and CGS parks and gardens worker Russell LeTisser survey the damage to Princes Park. Picture: Maryborough Advertiser
Gold dig at Maryborough oval
Gold dig at Maryborough oval

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.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Get the latest Ballarat news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.