Onkaparinga Council looks at artificial turf oval for southern sports hub in Noarlunga Downs

Messenger South: THE state's first artificial turf oval is being investigated as part of a sports hub in the southern suburbs.

THE state's first artificial turf oval is being investigated as part of a sports hub in the southern suburbs.

Onkaparinga Council, the AFL and State Government will fund a concept plan for the sports complex, which would be built in Noarlunga Downs between South Adelaide Football Club and Cardijn College.

Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg said a synthetic oval was one of the options being investigated as part of the development.

"The big advantage with the artificial turf is that it gives you much more use all year round, so it could be used as a multi-purpose site," Ms Rosenberg said.

"You can continue to maintain the green surface without using water."

What do you think of the idea of an artificial turf oval in the south? Tell us in the comment box below.

The first artificial turf oval in Australia opened at Point Cook in Victoria in December last year, funded by the council, the Victorian Government, the AFL and Cricket Australia.

South Adelaide Football Club CEO Ben Kavenagh said this week artificial turf had been "very popular" in Victoria.

"It would be very low maintenance and can take lots of wear and tear," Mr Kavenagh said.

The hub, which would cater for multiple sports on the one site, was featured in the State Government's 30-year draft Plan for Greater Adelaide.

An AFL spokesman said the league would consider funding part of the project after the concept plan was finished.

For more news on the south, pick up a copy of the Southern Times Messenger, read our digital edition online, or become a fan of our Facebook page.