WORK on Murwillumbah's world-class field hockey facility with a hybrid synthetic pitch started, at least in a symbolic sense, yesterday.

Tweed mayor Barry Longland yesterday turned the first sod at the project site where construction will start in a few weeks.

Cr Longland said the additional synthetic turf hockey pitch would bring a range of benefits to the association and the local community.

"This improved complex will satisfy requirements to host national and state tournaments, as well as providing improved playing and training facilities for local players," he said.

"There is certainly potential here to attract international teams for training, particularly given the Gold Coast's bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

"I'm pleased to hear that this is a new hybrid-style pitch that does not require wetting down like traditional synthetic pitches, and therefore is more water sustainable, with less infrastructure and drainage requirements.

"However, it does have the flexibility to be played wet."

The funds for the project that will be completed in time for the 2012 season come from the TSC, a grant from the NSW Government and the Tweed Border Hockey Association.

Association president Richard Philip said the association had been working towards securing the second field for four years.

"It's wonderful to see it come to fruition, mainly through the efforts of Tweed Shire Council and our local member Thomas George. We are grateful for their help and advice," Mr Philip said.

"Over time, we'd like to see full lighting on the new field."