community - 2026-06-20

Northern Beaches Council allocates synthetic sportsfields for summer season after competitive application process

Source: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Northern Beaches Council has allocated synthetic sportsfields for selected periods of the upcoming summer season after introducing a new expression of interest process to manage rising demand for field space. The decision matters for local clubs and players because some operators will change, and some groups have received less access than they requested, even though the council says participation opportunities will remain. The council said the process was introduced in response to increasing and competing pressure for sports field space across the area. Synthetic fields were treated as high-value assets that can handle high-intensity, year-round use, while also easing strain on natural turf fields that are more vulnerable to overuse, closure and expensive rehabilitation works. Thirty applications were lodged by a mix of sporting groups, including small-sided soccer, rugby union, AFL, touch football and gridiron. The council said applications were assessed under a structured framework that looked at whether the activity suited a synthetic surface, how intensively the field would be used, and the overall community benefit. Higher-intensity activities were given priority in the...