The newly upgraded Carter Field at the National Hockey Centre is now officially open, marking the first project completed through the Albanese Government’s Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

The $1.9 million redevelopment of Canberra’s premier hockey pitch is a significant investment in community sport, providing a modern, high-quality facility that will support the thousands of Canberrans who participate in hockey each year.

The project also included essential works to return the ageing Carter Field to the highest international pitch standard, enabling the venue to host major and international fixtures.

It includes a brand-new synthetic playing surface and drainage upgrades, featuring one of the most advanced hockey carpets available, and is expected to reduce water usage by up to 45 per cent.

The rapid delivery of these upgrades ahead of winter means that the Canberra Chill elite senior men’s and women’s athletes are able to return to Carter Field for the upcoming Hockey One League season.

The upgraded venue will also support fixtures ranging from grassroots, club and school participation, through to representative and elite competition.

The Albanese Government provided $1,554,500, and Hockey ACT $348,665 towards the redevelopment.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“It’s exciting to see the first of our sports upgrades through the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program completed and being well used.

“This upgrade to Carter Field was long deserved, and its my hope that Hockey ACT will see an uptick in participation as Canberrans continue to have access to international standard facilies close to home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Canberra Alicia Payne:

“I’m very pleased to have secured the funding for this upgrade to Carter Field, which was a commitment we took to the last election.

“Hockey is a much-loved sport played by many women, men and juniors in our community, and I’m proud the Albanese Labor Government has delivered an international standard turf for them to play and train on.

“The Carter Field was near to being unusable and is now a world-class facility that will serve the Canberra hockey community for many years to come.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of Hockey ACT Rob Sheekey:

“Carter Field is a key venue for hockey in the ACT, and this investment ensures the facility can continue to meet the needs of our growing community now and into the future.

“Hockey ACT is incredibly grateful for the support of Alicia Payne and the Australian Government in delivering this important project and investing in the future of our sport.”