The Malinauskas Labor Government is partnering with the Adelaide Football Club to open Thebarton Oval to the community for the first time in decades and bolster facilities for the State’s women’s code.
A $15 million State Government funding – which matches the Federal Government’s own $15 million commitment – investment towards the Crows’ new Thebarton Oval precinct will ensure its recreation and sport facilities are open for public access and support the growth of women’s football.
The funding will help create new training facilities at Thebarton Oval for the Crows’ three teams – AFL, AFLW and SANFL – will become the new home for Crows AFLW games.
Outside of designated match and training times, the precinct will be open to the public. Currently, Thebarton Oval is closed to the public.
As part of the agreement, the Crows will be required to publish the Oval’s public opening times on its website.
A further $10 million of in-kind infrastructure works will be conducted to remediate areas impacted by the North-South Corridor project. These funds will be invested in enhanced open green, community space and recreational facilities surrounding the precinct – connecting Kings Reserve.
The redevelopment will see no net tree loss within the precinct.
Despite their success, the Adelaide Crows AFLW team is one of only a few teams in the AFLW without a home ground.
We have seen Governments interstate make significant investments to upgrade and improve facilities to accommodate AFLW teams.
This redevelopment will not only benefit the Adelaide Football Club and the local community, but more broadly women’s football and the pathways for junior footballers from across South Australia.
This builds on the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $18 million grant program for dedicated female sporting facilities and improvements to grow female participation.
Quotes attributable to Peter Malinauskas
Thebarton Oval hasn’t been open for public use for decades – we are changing that.
It will kick goals as a multi-purpose training facility for elite female and male athletes that can also be used by the community.
The new Thebarton Oval precinct will be open for people to use for exercise, walk their dogs or spend time with their family and friends.
Quotes
Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis
I’ve lived in the western suburbs my entire life and I’m raising my family here, and both my children have never stepped foot on Thebarton Oval.
This is the experience of most local families who have been locked out of this oval.
Finally, we get Thebarton Oval back – and a great new neighbour.
Attributable to Adelaide Football Club president John Olsen
We are thankful for the assistance provided by the Premier and his Government and the open-minded approach to helping us find a long-term home that supports our teams, talent academies and large member and fan base, while meeting the needs of local residents.
I have appreciated the willingness of Minister Koutsantonis in working through the impacts of the South Road tunnels and identifying solutions which can deliver win-win outcomes for all parties, including more open green space for the public.
This funding is also crucial to fulfilling our ambition of delivering high performance advantages for our elite players and coaches, along with creating a leading sports and community precinct that is appealing to our loyal and passionate members and supporters.
Attributable to 5031 CF&GS Action Group Dr Emma Dawes
This is a significant step forwards towards a precinct that can service the needs of the crows and continue to meet those of the inner west community.
We thank our local member, Minister Tom Koutsantonis, for stepping in to ensure that the previous plans for this loved space were not just cast aside, but are able to coexist with a football hub in Thebarton.
