Greensborough scores new synthetic hockey pitch

Hockey players in Melbourne’s north will have more opportunities to take to the field thanks to a $181,000 Brumby Labor Government boost to establish a second synthetic pitch at the Greensborough Hockey Centre, Sports Minister James Merlino said today.

Joining Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green at the home of the Greensborough Hockey Club today, Mr Merlino said the new competition standard pitch would be low-maintenance, won’t need watering and will be able to withstand more wear and tear.

“Victorians love their sport and that’s why we’re investing heavily in grassroots sporting infrastructure to ensure our communities are strong, happy, healthy and active,” Mr Merlino said.

“The recent success of our national teams on the international stage, including last year’s Kookaburras win at the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy in Melbourne, has also further fuelled interest in hockey across Victoria.

“With so many local players wanting to get involved, it’s important we provide the space for more people to play – and this new pitch will give up-and-coming players a real boost.”

Mr Merlino said the funding for the project was from the Victorian Government’s Synthetic Surfaces Program and was in addition to the $750,000 provided through the 2006 Commonwealth Games Dividend.

He congratulated the Nillumbik Shire Council for contributing $120,000 towards the project, and the Greensborough Hockey Club for their contribution of over $350,000.

Ms Green said the $1.4 million redevelopment would provide much needed facilities for the club, which has not been able to meet the growing demand for hockey, especially from women and juniors, with its existing facilities.

“Hopefully we’ll see even more hockey fans at the facility and more local competitions, mid-week, and regional tournaments staged by the club, day and night,” Ms Green said.

“The new synthetic pitch will be low-maintenance, drought proof and includes the installation of fencing and lighting.

“By improving community sporting facilities we are ensuring people can stay involved in their community and stay active, whatever the weather brings.

“We don’t want any Victorians to miss out on the benefits of an active lifestyle which is why we’re working closely with councils to develop quality, accessible and in this case drought proof local sporting facilities for all ages to enjoy.”

TigerTurf will be carrying out the work and will install their WETT Dressed surface, a polyethylene monofilament sand dressed system over a 15mm insitu shockpad.  Works are due to complete by the end of May.