Construction of the Balmain Road field will commence in early September and be delivered in March 2027, ready for play at the start of the winter season.
This is a win for the community, particularly local sporting clubs, who have advocated for these fields for years.
Opening this new all-weather field will increase usage of the ground by 50% and minimise cancellations due to wet weather.
It will deliver a major boost for local sport, giving people of all ages and abilities access to high-quality facilities throughout the year and reducing pressure on surrounding turf fields.
Unfortunately, the Panel expressed concern about planning for flooding events at the second proposed all-weather field at Waterfront Drive.
This concern does not accurately reflect the expert advice provided and Council will soon be lodging a request for a review of the decision.
The field was designed to withstand a one-in-a-100 year flood event, however the Panel refused the application on the basis that it wanted even stronger flood protections that would apply in the worst possible flood event.
Fortunately, this can be addressed with a minor adjustment to the design, likely to be as simple as raising the field slightly. Council will submit revised plans shortly.
The Panel also raised a concern about the breadth of consultation for the project, which is completely unfounded.
In 2023-2024, Council undertook extensive community consultation to ask locals where they believed the best locations for all-weather sporting fields would be.
In the 505 submissions received, Waterfront Drive and Balmain Road were overwhelmingly identified as preferred locations for all-weather fields.
This has been followed by consistent advocacy for years from local clubs, families and community members calling for durable sporting fields at the site that can be used for training and play in all conditions, all year.
The proposed fields were thoughtfully designed by engineering experts, in consultation with the local community and sporting clubs, to ensure it met community, heritage and environmental needs.
The reasons for refusal from the Planning Panel meeting demonstrate there are no concerns about heat issues or day-to-day environmental impacts of either proposed field. The applications also received approval from the NSW Heritage Council earlier this month.
The new field at Balmain Road will be the latest improvement to the usability and amenity of Callan Park following the successful creation of the nearby Leichhardt Park Skatepark and the soon to be constructed Callan Park Tidal Baths.
For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne 0466 712 719 or Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au