An email sent this week to football clubs affiliated with the district said that after in-depth discussions with Bathurst Regional Council and contractor Renworx, the “overwhelming advice and instruction has been to not use the fields until they have had more time to develop”.

“As a result we regret to inform you that field one, two and three at Proctor Park have been closed indefinitely,” the email said. 

“It is hoped that with more time and good weather toward the end of the year, that limited use may be available late in the season.”

Bathurst Regional Council’s director of engineering services Darren Sturgiss said the fields required a sand slit drainage system for the entire playing surface. 

“One of the essential items that is yet to be completed to these fields is the installation of the sand slit drainage system,” he said. “This work cannot be undertaken until the root zone of the turf has established sufficiently.

“As such, the fields are subject to water logging and compaction and careful monitoring of their use will be required for the remainder of the football season.”

Council announced the completion of the redevelopment of the fields in mid-June and they were used for the first time on June 15 for two games on field one and two games on field two.

Mr Sturgiss said the fields were made available in June in order to promote the completion of works and to give an opportunity for all local football clubs to try the new fields.

Council said it fully supports BDF’s decision to indefinitely close fields one, two and three. 

BDF says it will continue to assess the fields’ ability to be played on, seeking council’s advice as required and using the fields again if deemed appropriate. 

Western NSW Mariners were expected to play at Proctor Park on Saturday, but will now play in Lithgow.

The club is in the process of moving all other Bathurst games.