Inner West Council to deliver two new all-weather sporting fields in Callan Park

Wednesday 14 August 2024

Last night Inner West Council committed to delivering two new rectangular all-weather sporting fields in Callan Park. One will be at the Balmain Road field, the second at the Waterfront Drive fields.

The approximate cost of these new facilities is $7 million to $8 million with the funds to be allocated from the additional $20 million committed by the NSW Government for completing the Rozelle Parklands and/or providing alternate sporting facilities nearby the Rozelle Parklands.

Council commits to opening the Rozelle Parklands oval-shaped sporting field primarily as a new cricket field for use in the 2024/25 summer season and as an AFL field in the 2025 winter sporting season, with ongoing use for both sports in future seasons once Council takes care, control and management of the Parklands.

Council also commits, as part of this project, to installing cricket nets at Rozelle Parklands.

Council will commence the design process for both all-weather sporting fields with Leichhardt Saints Football Club and Balmain & District Football Club to be included in the design process from the outset and throughout the process.

Council recognises the long-term commitment of Balmain & District Football Club and Leichhardt Saints Football Club have made to growing girl’s and women’s football in our community and through this project support both clubs in extending participation opportunities, including increased access and programs for All Abilities Special Needs players.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Margaret Merten, margaret.merten@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Full motion

Motion: (Byrne/Scott)

1. That Council commit to delivering two new rectangular all-weather sporting fields in Callan Park, one at the Balmain Road field and another at the Waterfront Drive fields. The approximate cost of these facilities is $7 million - $8 million with the funds to be allocated from the additional $20 million committed by the NSW Government to completing to Rozelle Parklands and / or providing alternate sporting facilities nearby to the Parklands.
2. That Council allocate these new fields for the use primarily of Leichhardt Saints Football Club (Balmain Road) and Balmain & District Football Club (Waterfront Drive) with this allocation to be recognised and incorporated into future ground bookings.
3. That Council commit to opening the Rozelle Parklands oval shaped sporting field primarily as a new cricket field for use in the 2024/5 summer season and an AFL field in the 2025 winter sporting season, with ongoing use for both sports in future seasons once Council takes care, control, and management of the Parklands.
4. That Council, as part of this project, commit to installing cricket nets at Rozelle Parklands.
5. That Council commence the design process for both all-weather sporting fields with Leichhardt Saints Football Club and Balmain & District Football Club to be included in the design process from the outset and throughout the process. The two projects are to be undertaken concurrently with the aim being that works commence at the end of the 2025 winter season.
6. That Council recognise the long-term commitment of Balmain & District Football Club and Leichhardt Saints Football Club have made to growing girl’s and women’s football in our community and through this project support both clubs in extending participation opportunities, including increased access and programs for All Abilities Special Needs players.
7. That Council commit to funding a new fenced off-leash dog walking area in Callan Park with the location to be determined in consultation with local dog walkers.
8. That Council consult with local dog walkers about other amenities and facilities that are needed within Callan Park with a view to partnering with Greater Sydney Parklands Agency to provide these urgently.
9. That Council strengthen our submission regarding the Callan Park Masterplan to emphasise the need for urgent action to improve pedestrian safety and traffic calming in Callan Park.
10. That Council prepare a report to be received at the October Ordinary Council meeting outlining the design and approval process and cost estimates for the project.