The NSW Government will contribute $500,000 towards the installation of a synthetic playing field at Norman Griffiths Oval, West Pymble, Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens, announced today.

Mr Henskens said the $1.4 million project will modernise the oval and increase the amount of time it can be used for sports training and competition.

“Our Government is contributing to this project through Liquor & Gaming NSW’s Clubgrants infrastructure funding, which provides new and upgraded sport and recreation facilities in local communities across NSW,” Mr Henskens said. 

“I welcome our Government’s support for this project which will be wonderful asset for our community for decades to come.” 

Mr Henskens said the new synthetic playing field will particularly benefit the local soccer competition.

“Norman Griffiths Oval is the home ground for West Pymble Football Club, which has around 2,000 members,” he said.

“The new synthetic surface will enable the oval to be used year-round for training and competition for up to 50 hours each week. In terms of the hours of available use, a synthetic surface is like turning one field into three fields.

“Our Government has partnered with Ku-ring-gai Council ($650,000), Northern Suburbs Football Association ($125,000) and West Pymble Football Club ($87,000) to deliver this great upgrade which also includes new drainage and perimeter fencing.”   

Mr Henskens previously facilitated a grant of $22,340 for the project through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program and it also received $20,000 from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

Minister for Racing, Paul Toole, said the project is one of 11 across NSW funded from the Clubgrants category 3 sport and recreation fund in 2016/17. 

“Over $50 million in Clubgrants funding is being provided in the current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness and arts and culture,” Mr Toole said.   

“These grants are funded through a rebate on the state’s registered clubs’ gaming machines to reinvest profits back into community projects.

“The successful 2016/17 funding recipients have been selected from an incredibly strong field of more than 400 applicants.”

Mr Toole said the projects will make a real difference to local communities across NSW.

“Our Government is pleased to provide this funding to help more people experience the many benefits of taking part in sport and leisure activities including improved fitness and well-being and greater social interaction,” he said.