Central Coast Council is the target of yet another senseless vandalism act forcing the closure of another sporting oval, disadvantaging local families and visitors.

Sporting and community groups may be forced to delay events at Sohier Oval, Ourimbah as vandals have joyrided on the oval’s wet grounds destroying the surface.

Council is calling on the community to help apprehend these vandals and is putting up a $20,000 reward for information.

Council’s Section Manager of Parks and Sports fields, Mr Keith Ollier said, both of the grounds at the Sohier sporting fields have had extensive damage to the turf and because of the uneven surface it isn’t safe for the public to use the fields in its current state.

“Both fields will need repairs, levelling out the surface of the ground, placing topsoil and fixing barriers before the oval can be opened, costing Council a further $3000,” said Mr Ollier.

“Vandalism across the Central Coast is rife at the moment.

“Money spent on repairing damage this month alone has climbed to $30,000.

“These mindless attacks cost rate payers money, cost our staff time and disrupt the public from using our facilities.”

Other facilities that have been vandalised recently include;

• Palmdale median strips
• Lisarow High School sporting fields
• Northlakes sporting fields

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he is concerned Council’s facilities are being targeted and is calling on the community to help.

“I would like to call upon any community member who witnesses acts of vandalism to report it to the Police so we can stop vandalism in its tracks,” said Mr Reynolds.

“Vandalism is an issue of community concern that takes away much needed financial support from other services Council can deliver for the Central Coast.

“We want to reduce the level of vandalism in our community so that more money can be invested in projects our community need, want and value.”

Anyone with information of these incidents is encouraged to report it to the Police.