And with the extra games has come extra wear and tear to the five fields off the corner of Alpha and Russell streets - though Bathurst Regional Council believes the fields are coping with the extra workload in 2018. 

“It is believed that Police Paddock football fields are coping with general use this season, with their current condition being no different than regular seasonal use for football activities this time of year,” Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said. 

Cr Hanger did say that Police Paddock is included in the masterplan for the future redevelopment of the Proctor Park precinct, but is not of high priority. 

“Council is currently concentrating on projects within the plan that are of higher priority,” he said.

“At this stage, council is in the process of calling tenders for the construction of a car park and a referee/change room/amenities building at Proctor Park.”

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Cr Hanger said council conducts regular inspections of its various sports fields across Bathurst, including Police Paddock, and undertakes weekly maintenance to its turf sports fields and pitches.

Council has not received any reports on safety issues in respect to Police Paddock’s condition by users, but is aware of a damaged and exposed valve box that is currently being given attention.

Proctor Park was indefinitely closed last month after only opening in June following renovations that took place across the off-season and into the opening rounds of the Bathurst District Football competition.

The fields were briefly used on June 15 and 16 in order to promote the completion of works and to give an opportunity for all local football clubs to try the renovated grounds.

It is understood the closure was required because the fields required a sand slit drainage system.