The Southern Highlands Hockey Association will greenlight significant upgrades to its original field after receiving a $335,000 grant from the NSW Government.

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Having opened a second field last year, the upgrade means players will now have two high-quality hybrid surfaces on which to play.

Further adding to the good news is the fact the cost was significantly reduced thanks to steps taken way back in 2004.

"We were very fortunate to be granted the full amount for the replacement surface, which is $335,000," said Hockey Centre committee member Paul Sabatier.

"One of the reasons we put in our grant for that amount was that when we originally laid down the field 17 years ago we paid a premium to have an extra high-quality shock pad underneath.

"The foresight of the committee back then to do that means that we can save money now.

"We don't have to replace the shock pad and the synthetic surface. The shock pad is in good enough condition to keep playing."

Sabatier said the upgraded surface was an investment that would allow the Association to focus on other infrastructure as well as ensure fairness for the local competition.

"Being able to do it now means we can future-proof the facility for at least another 10-15 years," he said.

"We've got that opportunity now to carry on saving members' fees for other major infrastructure projects. We'll be able to play on two top-quality surfaces which we haven't been able to do before.

'It's fairer for the whole competition because you're not getting some games played on one surface and some on another, which is a different standard.

"You're getting all competition games played on the superior surface."

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