Premier Breaks New Ground at Blacktown Olympic Park

NSW Premier, Morris Iemma today cemented a major partnership with Blacktown City Council, the AFL and Cricket NSW by "breaking the ground" on a new $20 million sports facilities development in Sydney's west.

Premier Iemma led the Ground Breaking Ceremony at Blacktown Olympic Park with Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly OAM, Mr Andrew Demetriou, CEO of the AFL and Mr Bob Horsell, Chairman of Cricket NSW.

In a landmark arrangement, Blacktown City Council will construct two new ovals - one of which will accommodate 10,000 spectators - and an indoor practice centre for AFL and Cricket at the Blacktown Olympic Park.

Mr Iemma said the new sports grounds were part of an ongoing Olympic legacy from Sydney 2000, and would complement the existing international standard softball, baseball and athletics facilities.

Plans for the development at Blacktown Olympic Park include:

· Development of a main oval with capacity for 10,000 spectators

· Development of a second oval for training and junior games;

· Construction of an indoor practice hall

· Provision of additional car parking.

"This new development will be fantastic for the local community in terms of access to first class sporting facilities and potentially world class sporting events," Mr Iemma said.

"As the Blacktown Olympic Park expands, the AFL has indicated it will expand its participation and talent development programs and increasingly base them in Western Sydney.

"The Park will be set up to host pre-season AFL matches, giving local fans the chance to see AFL teams compete in their own community.