The East Campbelltown Eagles rugby league club has been devastated by the theft of aluminium seating at their home ground of Waminda Oval.
Three rows of aluminium seating at the eastern grand stand valued at almost $30,000 were stolen overnight.
The seats were bolted to a concrete slab, but that didn’t stop the thieves.
Ground signage was removed and used as a walking platform over the swamp like conditions on that side of the ground.
A fourth aluminium stand had been unbolted from the concrete slab, but it looks like the thieves ran out of time so they just left it like that.
An upset Eagles president Daniel Draper has contacted Campbelltown Council to inform them of the incident.
His email, which included photos of the theft and the state of Waminda Oval went to all 15 councillors.
He has asked the council to explain why gates were left open as well as why there has been no grass maintenance performed at Waminda since the Eagles last played there almost two months ago.
“It disappoints me greatly that I need to once again address issues regarding Waminda Oval,’’ Mr Draper wrote in the email.
“I believe the ground in its current state of looking abandoned has led to the stealing of our stands.
“We want these stands replaced by council,’’ he wrote.
Current mayor George Greiss has acted quickly to deal with the matter, asking the director for a full investigation.
He has just told the Voice that it is normal practice Waminda Oval gates are locked during winter when the footy is on, but left open in summer to provide walk through access to the public.
“Vandalism and theft like this affects everyone in the community, and council will do what it can to minimise this sort of thing happening,’’ Cr Greiss said.
As for the lack of maintenance, the mayor said the reason for that has been the constant rain we have been experiencing.
“We just haven’t been able to get machinery on to Waminda to do maintenance because the ground is so soft,’’ he said.
Mayor Greiss said a contractor had been appointed to carry out drainage work at Waminda, but the wet weather has not allowed a start on the project.
“We are keen to get this done so the ground is in good condition when next season rolls around,’’ he said.
