The Wodonga hockey field in Silva Drive has been resurfaced through a partnership between Hockey Albury Wodonga and Wodonga Council.

More than 400 volunteer hours and 100 hours of donated plant and equipment removed the old surface, about $50,000 value in kind, with Tiger Turf completing the upgrade.

The association has committed a further $175,000 to the project and the council $345,000.

Hockey Albury Wodonga president Bert Eastoe said the association had stopped scheduling division one games at the facility about two years ago because of its condition.

“It made it hard on the body,” he said.

“It was just time to replace it really and introduce a new type of surface and just provide a better playing experience for people.

“This new surface will be a terrific asset for the association for the home and away season, as well as a great facility for the Wodonga club, which this year is fielding 13 teams in the winter home and away competition.”

Wodonga councillor Tim Quilty officially opened the field and tossed the coin for the men’s division one match between Wodonga and Falcons.

Cr Quilty ended his speech by mentioning “the elephant in the room … the overcharging of the waste levy”, in reference to the ongoing debate over last month’s Victorian Ombudsman report.

“Yes, there’s an issue there, but people have asked me what’s happened to the money, well, here it is,” Cr Quilty said, indicating the upgraded sports venue.