By Luke D’Anello
Monti said the $8.3 million redevelopment was progressing as planned.
Features of the project include renovated changerooms, a new community room at ground level, a public function centre and restaurant.
A one million litre water tank has been installed under the playing surface and will store stormwater for irrigation of the oval.
Burbank Oval has also been sewn with drought-tolerant couch grass.
“It’s going to of enormous benefit to the West,” Monti said of the project.
“The benefit will not only be the facility, which is going to be there for the people of the western suburbs to utilise, but in addition, two-thirds of the rental for the function centre restaurant will be going back into the community fund courtesy of Hobsons Bay City Council.
“The CEO of Hobsons Bay City Council, Bill Jaboor, has shown enormous foresight in his support of the development of this project, with the return coming back to his constituents by way of the community fund.
“The rent will be a very substantial sum and two-thirds of that will go back.”
Monti said the club has already fielded enquiries from people who want to book the function room for weddings, birthdays and other events.
On the field, he said he did not expect the Seagulls to suffer greatly from not playing any games on their home turf in 2011.
“If we’re good enough, we should acquit ourselves. I don’t think it matters a great deal in this day and age where you’re playing,” Monti said.
