The construction a new synthetic sports field at Peakhurst Park is a step closer after the project secured $300,000 in State Government funding.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the funding has come through the Clubgrants Category 3 infrastructure grants program.
“These grants are funded through a rebate on the state’s registered clubs’ gaming machines to reinvest profits back into community projects,” Mr Toole said.
The total cost of the project is expected to cost between $1.7 to $2 million.
Oatley MP Mark Coure said the new multi-purpose all weather field will expand the range of sport and recreation activities at Peakhurst Park and benefit local football clubs, schools and community groups.
Mr Coure is also seeking to secure an additional $500,000 for the project.
“I’m delighted our Government has been able to partner with Georges River Council to deliver this much-needed project that will be a great asset for our community for decades to come,” Mr Coure said.
“I have campaigned for this funding for several years and would like to thank everyone in the community who signed my petition to make our dream of a synthetic sports field in the St George area become a reality.
“The field will feature a FIFA standard surface, perimeter fencing and new lighting. It will meet national standards and cater for local and representative level football.”
St George Football Association general manager Craig Kiely said, that on behalf of the Board of Directors, 23 member Clubs and the 10,000 active participants, he welcomes the announcement for funding towards the first synthetic field in the Georges River LGA.
“This facility will provide an enormous benefit to our local football community and allows access for kids and adults of all ages and abilities all year round,” Mr Kiely said.
Georges River Council has set aside $500,000 and the St George Football Association $400,000 for the construction of the Peakhurst Park synthetic field.
St George Football Association has also applied for a grant from the Asian Cup Legacy Fund which provides funding assistance of up to $150,000 to community football clubs to improve their facilities.
With the deadline for funding applications closing on March 2 the club had to guarantee it had the balance of the funding for the project.
Georges River Council mayor Kevin Greene gave the council’s support to the request from St George Football Association to guarantee the balance of funding for the construction of a synthetic field at Peakhurst Park if the unconfirmed grant funding was not secured.
