Works to upgrade the sporting facilities on the western side of HBF Arena in Joondalup have commenced, with the first sod being turned today.

The facilities are shared by local netball, rugby union, little athletics and triathlon clubs, and will benefit thousands of junior and senior athletes every season.

The current Joondalup Sports Club building will be extended to include two new multi-use change rooms catering to the demands of ever-increasing membership.

Additional upgrades to the facilities include extending current fencing, a new storage facility, office space, and the installation of additional water fountains.

Sporting clubs have been involved in the design process to ensure the upgrades will provide maximum benefit to members.

Funded through the Local Projects, Local Jobs initiative, the project will deliver improved facilities for clubs and provide local jobs during the construction phase.

The extension to the Joondalup Sports Club building is expected to be completed in April 2019.

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:

"Support for grassroots sport is integral to ensuring healthy, active lifestyles for all Western Australians.

"These upgrades will assist local clubs to best meet the needs of their members and deliver quality sporting programs for members of the community, while delivering local jobs during the construction process.

"Local members Emily Hamilton and Mark Folkard campaigned long and hard for these upgrades to ensure the northern suburbs community has access to some of the best sporting facilities in the State.

"I look forward to seeing the growth of community sport participation that I'm sure will result from these upgrades."

Comments attributed to Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:

"With around 2,000 athletes from four sporting codes utilising the current facilities at the Joondalup Sports Club, it's great to see the much needed upgrades taking place as part of our Local Projects, Local Jobs initiative.

"As a mum with two school-aged kids, I know how important it is for our kids to be involved in grassroots level sport.

"I know these upgrades will provide the opportunity for all of the clubs that use the facilities to continue to grow their membership and participation."

Comments attributed to Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard:

"The funding provided by the State Government is very much welcomed. It means that the local sporting groups who use this facility will be able to access upgraded amenities such as the change rooms and restrooms.

"It's great that we're continuing to fund projects like this for our community, and I look forward to seeing the new facilities create a more inclusive sporting environment."