A massive clean-up operation is underway at a football oval in Perth's eastern suburbs after thousands of shards of broken glass, rocks, and screws were found embedded in the turf. The contamination is believed to have come from compost spread on the field earlier this week.
Contaminated Compost Blamed
The City of Kalamunda has stated that the debris originated from contaminated compost supplied by a contractor that processes household food and garden organics. Mayor Margaret Thomas expressed deep regret over the incident, calling it completely unacceptable and offering a sincere apology to the community.
Council officials suspect that the supplier's screening and cleaning processes failed to adequately filter out household waste materials. However, the compost supplier, Purearth, has denied responsibility, asserting that all batches provided to Kalamunda were properly screened and met required standards. Purearth suggested that the contamination might have been caused by litter rather than their product.
Community Outrage and Safety Concerns
Local residents have voiced alarm over the hazardous conditions. Wendi Dooran, a nearby resident, described the situation as extremely dangerous, noting that even pets could be at risk. The council has pledged to continue cleanup efforts until the reserve is completely safe.
The contamination forced the cancellation of scheduled football games and a major fundraiser for the High Wycombe Bulldogs, the local club that uses the oval. The council is now considering a donation to help the club recover from the financial blow.
Investigation Underway
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulations has stepped in to investigate the incident, working with both the City of Kalamunda and Purearth to determine the exact cause of the contamination. The council has assured the public that work will not cease until the oval is cleared and safe for use, aiming to have the ground ready for football this weekend.
Mayor Thomas reiterated the council's commitment to rectifying the situation, stating that while the failure may have originated with the supplier, the ultimate responsibility lies with the city. She promised that the council would fix the problem and ensure the safety of the community.
