Only symbolically so far, but it's still a huge difference after several years of waiting. Groundbreaking ceremony was held ahead of preparation works to be carried out in the upcoming months.

A sod turning ceremony has been held in Burswood to mark the start of work on the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium.

The site will be prepared for construction over the next 18 months, while the government selects a company to design and build the stadium.

Three companies have been shortlisted to bid for the project.

The State Government says it remains confident the stadium will be built in time for the 2018 AFL season.