Loss of (at)traction- Peter McGrath splashes through the water that flooded Rutter Reserve and forced the Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show to be called off. 58921Picture: Stewart Chambers

By Bridget Brady
ORGANISERS of the Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show say the cancellation of this year’s event – the first in its 14-year history – could have been avoided.
The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday, but was called off due to the wet weather that flooded Rutter Reserve.
The disappointment has sparked claims that the reserve has been ignored for too long, and could be utilised far more.
Event promoter Peter McGrath said there was no drainage at the reserve, which meant the downpour from last week left it in a bad condition.
“It just needs draining then we could put some soil on it and make some grass grow,” Mr McGrath said.
Casey Council said while there were no plans to install drainage at the reserve, the committee of management was able to apply for funding through the council’s minor capital works program.
Mr McGrath also said Rutter Reserve had the potential to be used for other events, especially given there are lights. The Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show is the only event held at the reserve and isn’t used by sporting groups.
“There are other events that we could hold there. It could be hired out a lot more. It is a good venue and when you have the lighting you could hold anything,” Mr McGrath said.
Organisers have decided to postpone the event, possibly rescheduling it in April.
Mr McGrath said about $20,000 had already been spent on the event, and it would be a shame not to hold it this year, especially because proceeds went back into the Tooradin community.
“A lot of people do a lot of working leading up to it.”