By Les Muir

WAGGA City Council has announced it has a long-range plan to "drought proof" all sporting fields in Wagga.

Reacting to criticism from Wagga Cricket Association president Eric Koetz, director of environment and community services Janice Summerhayes said council was committed to providing "high-class sporting facilities" for all levels of sport in the city.

Koetz raised a storm yesterday by claiming council was neglecting some cricket venues in Wagga, declaring there should be a rethink of the proposed $3 million upgrade of Robertson Oval.

Koetz said two fields at Duke Of Kent Oval had been unfit for cricket for two seasons, leaving junior and lower grade players in a lurch.

"Surely better use could be made of the monies put aside for redeveloping Robertson Oval by improving the facilities we already have," Koetz said.

"As discussion continues over Robertson Oval, and more consultants are employed, who is looking after the juniors and lower grade players in the city?"

Summerhayes said council had a strategy to provide irrigation for sporting venues across Wagga.

"In regards to irrigation of existing playing surfaces, council is committed to exploring a range of options so as to drought proof all of its sporting venues, parks and open spaces for future preservation," she said.

"Council is currently seeking tenders for the construction of a pipeline to carry recycled water from Narrung Street sewage outlet to Flowerdale.

"This pipeline will service the irrigation requirements for Duke of Kent Oval and provide recycled water for other open-space irrigation demands."

Summerhayes said council was not dismissing any sport in Wagga.

"I can assure the community that Wagga City Council is committed to providing high-class sporting facilities in the city for all grades of competition," she said.

Wagga mayor Kerry Pascoe is adamant the upgrade of Robertson Oval will be a major step forward for Wagga.

Councillor Pascoe said yesterday he could envisage Robertson Oval hosting quality first-class cricket matches, including one-day Ford Ranger Cup fixtures.

Cricket NSW has backed the Robertson Oval upgrade and the plan has also received support from the AFL.