Blacktown City Council, New South Wales, has unveiled its $6 million synthetic rugby league field, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mayor, Stephen Bali MP, said, “The field at Kellyville Ridge is an investment for our community.
“We are committed to transforming Blacktown into a sporting and active city by 2030.
“The synthetic surface allows for three times more play than the most advanced natural grass fields.
“It’s an all-weather field and with the sub-surface shock pad that has been installed, it’s softer to be tackled on and is consistently safe for play.”
The National Rugby League (NRL) committed $600,000 to the project.
NRL Head of Government and Community Relations, Jaymes Boland-Rudder, said, “It will be wonderful to see rugby league players, parents, volunteers and officials throughout Western Sydney enjoying countless hours running around on one of the most innovative sports fields in Australia.”
Outdoor community fitness equipment is located adjacent to the field.
Mayor Bali said, “It’s in an ideal location for rugby league in Western Sydney.
“The field is located between the region’s two NRL clubs; the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers, and will be home to the St Patricks Junior Rugby League Club and other teams from the Penrith and Districts Rugby League Association.
“This will be a well-utilised [sporting] facility.”
