$300,000 sports project creates field of dreams

Published on 12 July 2023

The City of Hobart has completed a $300,000 project to level the playing field at the Domain Athletic Centre for javelin, discus and hammer throwers. 

"Our young discus, javelin and hammer throwers need a safe and accessible space at the Domain Athletic Centre in which to practise and compete in their chosen sport," Hobart Acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said. 

"Our $300,000 resurfacing of the Domain Athletic Centre's throws area means athletes will no longer need to compete with pieces of cracked and ruined tarmac and can now just focus on their sport in a safe manner. 

"This is a significant investment in Tasmania's premier athletics centre and the future of our track and field athletes, from Little Athletics all the way through to Masters Athletics." 

The project was funded through the Tasmanian Government’s Improving the Playing Field Grants Program, which provided $250,000. The City of Hobart is contributing $50,000 to the project. 

Healthy Hobart Portfolio Co-Chair Zelinda Sherlock said the throws surface area had been suffering serious erosion and surface cracking that had at times led to the cancellation of athletics events. 

"The old surface was full of potholes and cracking that made the area difficult to negotiate for all athletes, and especially those with mobility issues," Cr Dr Sherlock said. 

"This major upgrade to the Domain Athletic Centre has created a safe area for athletes of all ages who train and compete in shotput, javelin, discus and the hammer throw. 

"We want Tasmania's premier athletics centre to be a field of dreams for our young athletes, one where anything is possible.”