Image: Leichhardt Oval. Wikimedia Commons
The federal government, NSW government, and Inner West Council have announced a joint $40 million investment into Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval, affectionately known as the “eighth wonder of the world.”
The funding boost will go towards critical upgrades for the beloved sporting ground.
Home to one of two homes for the Wests Tigers, the oval will see increased seating capacity by 3000 seats, a new northern grandstand, and new female changing rooms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who made the announcement yesterday, said his government understood the importance of local sporting grounds for Australians.
“This investment will not only be great for the Wests Tigers, but will see Leichhardt Oval continue to be a hub for school, women and girls’ sport,” he said.
“Leichhardt Oval is a place where the faithful can go along and cheer their local sporting teams, and this funding from all three levels of government will ensure that spirit is preserved.”
Earlier in June, Inner West Council voted unanimously to dedicate $10 million to Leichhardt Oval, but was yet to receive federal and state commitment.
The council spends about $1.4 million each year on maintenance and capital works, but have repeatedly said they don’t have the funds to pay for the upgrades necessary to maintain the ground as a viable NRL venue.
Inner West came up with a masterplan in 2023 and called for federal and state assistance. Last month, NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was “open” to contributing some funds after previously saying that the state was in no financial position to contribute to the stadium’s facelift.
The West Tigers have long held concerns for the grounds’ conditions and facilities, and had previously threatened to leave next season conditions didn’t improve.
They are yet to commit to their future at the grounds.
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