Construction of a new $600,000 artificial grass oval in the ACT has just begun, with the innovative 6,000 square metre field to ensure that the facility will be available for use by the local community and sporting organisations even in times of severe drought.
New drought-proof oval for Monash School and community
Released 13/08/2008
206/08
New drought-proof oval for Monash School and community
Minister for Education and Training Andrew Barr today turned the first sod for the construction of the new $600,000 artificial grass oval at Monash Primary School.
The 6,000 square metre field will be installed on the existing Monash Primary School oval and will be large enough to provide full size fields for soccer, rugby and many other sporting uses.
Mr Barr said the Stanhope Labor Government is committed to building better cities and stronger communities and that investing in physical education at ACT public schools and drought-proofing sporting facilities is an important part of this goal.
“This new facility will ensure the students of Monash Primary School will benefit from even higher quality physical education programs year-round on their new drought-proof oval,” Mr Barr said. “The oval will also be available for use by the Monash community and local sporting organisations outside of school hours.
“As part of the Stanhope Labor Government’s drive to re-vitalise physical activity in public schools, the 2008-2009 Budget included extra investments in physical activity facilities including $3 million to redevelop the Erindale Leisure Centre. The ACT Government has also invested $250,000 in the Children’s Physical Activity Foundation which works to promote physical activity to children and assist schools to get students more active through grants for sporting equipment and the professional development of teachers.
“I have also established the Minister’s Physical Activity Challenge which encourages ACT primary school students to do 30 minutes of physical activity a day for 10 weeks on top of their daily PE lesson.
“This new drought-proof oval at Monash Primary School is part of the Stanhope Labor Government’s $350 million investment in upgrading every ACT public school and building schools where they are most needed in Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin.
“The responsible economic management of the Stanhope Labor Government has put the ACT Government’s finances on a sustainable footing allowing us to make this commitment to the people of Tuggeranong.
“Only the Stanhope Government can be trusted to make facilities like this new oval in Monash a reality,” Mr Barr said.
The field is due for completion by the end of October 2008.
Statement Ends
Media Contact: Paul Kindermann 6205 1690 0403 600 955 paul.kindermann@act.gov.au
(c) Copyright Sponsorship News 2007
