Work is set to begin at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale following the Federal Government’s investment of $1.3million towards the project.
The announcement has been greeted with excitement from the hockey club who have had to travel to other locations to play home games for more than 10 years.
Southern River Hockey Club president John Heath and City of Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle joined Senator Linda Reynolds at the sod-turning ceremony on July 11.
The club said the construction of a synthetic turf will greatly boost the team’s confidence.
Mr Heath said the project was on track and set to be completed by December, in time for the start of next season.
“This has been a long time coming,” he said.
“I’m ecstatic that it is happening.”
Mr Heath said the construction of the new turf would be immeasurable for the community.
“We’re putting in the best possible turf,” he said.
“This will allow us to bring games to the City of Gosnells.”
The project will cost a total of $2.616 million with the remainder to be funded jointly by the City of Gosnells, Southern River Hockey Club and the Western Australian Department of Sport and Recreation.
Ms Reynolds said she was delighted with the investment from the Federal Government.
“Children growing up in the south-eastern suburbs deserve to have the same access to the good quality sporting grounds as the rest of Perth,” she said.
“Unfortunately this has not been the case at Sutherlands Park.”
Ms Reynolds said the funding will allow for the construction of a synthetic hockey turf which will have an irrigation system, fencing and flood lighting at the park.
“This means children at Southern River Hockey Club will finally be able to play a home game on their own field.
“I’m proud to have fought for and been able to deliver this important project alongside former Liberal candidate for Burt, Matt O’Sullivan.”
