World class facility ready for women's world hockey cup

22/9/02
Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter today said the completion of the $3.7million redevelopment of the Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University was impeccably timed.
Officially opening the redevelopment in Bentley today, Mr Carpenter said the Perth Hockey Stadium was now essentially ready for the MeadowLea Women's World Cup commencing on November 24.
"Western Australian hockey has underpinned Australia's domination of world hockey over recent decades and this world class facility has been a contributing factor," he said.
"It will be a wonderful facility to aid in the continued development and growth of hockey in WA."
The stadium's upgraded facilities were given a test run today, hosting two major domestic hockey grand finals.
The redevelopment includes:

• an upgrade of main stadium;
• improved change rooms and toilet facilities;
• medical and training rooms;
• a larger function area;
• a new digital scoreboard on the main pitch;
• a new grandstand and change rooms for the second pitch;
• improved lighting to both pitches; and
• improved car parking.

The State Government will provide $6million over 20 years to help Perth hockey repay the loan for the redevelopment.
"Considering the stadium is now 23 years old, this redevelopment should see Perth hockey stadium through the next 20 years," Mr Carpenter said.
"WA was ahead of its time when the first synthetic pitch in the southern hemisphere was laid at this stadium in 1979.
"I am certain this enabled the game in WA to forge even further ahead and was a major factor in attracting the Australian Institute of Sport to establish its hockey unit here in 1984."
Mr Carpenter said the stadium was an excellent example of a fruitful partnership between the State Government through the Department of Sport and Recreation, WA Hockey and Curtin University.
"Today is more than just an official opening, it is a celebration of a dream, a 20 year partnership and a view to the continued development of a sport which has placed Australia very much at the pinnacle of world hockey," he said.
"We have a dedicated precinct that has the capacity to attract major international events as well as being a venue for all participants from veterans to juniors."

Minister's office: 9213 6800