MELVILLE council has agreed to tip in thousands of dollars a year to help keep turf wickets up to Premier grade standard at Tompkins Park, ending a long-running stand-off over who should foot the bill.

At their November meeting, councillors backed a request from Melville Premier Cricket Club for support to maintain its specialist wickets and mow the outfield, with the club arguing it’s WA’s only Premier side not receiving help from its local government. 

The club also said it hasn’t had a dividend from the Tompkins Park Recreation and Community Association – a key plank in its funding model – because of poor financial performance.

The Applecross Cricket Club, which plays one grade below but still needs a specialised surface, will also receive support.

While the clubs have managed their own cricket surfaces for years – with the Premier club taking over as far back as 1995 – a report to council said almost every other sport using specialist surfaces can generate revenue to cover costs, except for BMX, which already receives City assistance. Councillors were told the change would put cricket on a more equitable footing.

The adopted package will see Melville Cricket Club receive $50,000 a year, and Applecross $10,000, both locked in for three years from 2025–26.