Drummoyne Oval officially opened
Drummoyne Oval is poised to become one of the top sporting complexes in Sydney following the Australian Government’s announcement that they will invest a further $1.75 million into the recently redeveloped ground should the Gillard Government win the next election.
The new precinct, which includes two state-of-the-art amenity blocks containing grand-stand seating, function space and improved storage, was officially opened on Thursday by Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese.
The Australian Government’s commitment to deliver six lighting towers of international broadcasting standard is a major boost for the local ground with the possibility of elite AFL games being played at the oval now a reality.
Following their $5.3 million investment in phase one of the Drummoyne Oval redevelopment, the Australian Government has pledged to invest a further $1.75 million should the Labor Government be re-elected.
AFL State Manager – NSW/ACT Development Simon Laughton is happy to announce the AFL and the Drummoyne Power JAFC will invest a combined total of $200,000 towards the completion of the project and access to tenure.
Former Sydney Swans and Carlton player Jason Saddington, who now plays for the Balmain Dockers, said he is excited to be playing at the redeveloped ground.
“We’re very fortunate to have our home ground as one of the best venues in all of Sydney,” Saddington said.
“The facility rivals most local football facilities in Melbourne and is better than most of the VFL venues which AFL clubs use on a weekly basis.
“The Balmain Football Club looks forward to continuing to utilise the facility. It’s now a distinct possibility to hold club functions at the ground, including our best and fairest night, and the match-day experience will now be better than ever. Hopefully we can get the whole community to come along to our games.”
At the official opening of the oval on Thursday, Minister Albanese was joined alongside John Murphy, local Labor candidate for Reid, while Australian opening batsman Simon Katich was also in attendance.
“Investing in the Drummoyne Oval redevelopment is an important part of Federal Labor’s plans to build stronger local communities,” Albanese said.
“This project [the new lighting upgrade] will create jobs during its construction phase and will be a great benefit to local sporting groups who use the oval.”
The redeveloped oval will provide opportunities for the local community to enjoy international and national sporting and cultural events. The Balmain Dockers will play at the ground for the remainder of the season.