Report shows shortfall of sports facilities across northern Sydney region

A new report commissioned by the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) reviewing the supply and demand for sports facilities in the northern Sydney region has revealed a significant and growing shortfall in supply across local government areas in the region.

The 81 page report, Review of Supply and Demand for Sports Facilities in the NSROC Region, prepared by Otium Planning Group, outlines trends in participation and emerging sports including those resulting from the impacts of COVID-19, assesses supply and demand in the region in line with forecasted population growth along with identifying both threats and opportunities to mitigating the shortfall.

Accounting for a projected 11.3% population increase in the NSROC area by 2036, the findings of this report help to inform both NSROC Councils and State and Federal Governments on the need for the continued rollout of such critical infrastructure in northern Sydney - infrastructure crucial in the maintenance of liveable and cohesive communities and that will support the increased supply of housing that the northern Sydney region is preparing for.

Key findings of the report include:

• There is a crucial need to increase the current supply capacity of NSROC sports facilities by 40% to 2026 (equivalent to 181 hectare of total space) and 49% to 2036 (equivalent to 222 hectares of total space)

• In order to address the current and increasing shortfall of sports facilities within the NSROC region, a number of barriers will need to be considered including a lack of suitable land located in proximity to the majority of our population and high costs attributed to creating new sports facilities including sportsgrounds.

Presenting the report at a launch event on Wednesday, NSROC President and Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan was joined by Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock collectively called on the NSW and Federal Governments to recognised the importance of on-going commitments to funding and grant programs for such facilities in the region.

Mayor Corrigan advised “since our last report on this matter was published in 2017, NSROC Member Councils have been working diligently and working hard in an attempt to minimise the growing deficit in sport and leisure spaces in our region.

“Unfortunately, this latest report highlights that despite our best efforts, the mounting pressure of population growth is making it very tough for our member Councils to keep up with the demand. “NSROC and the Mayors of the councils of Northern Sydney are calling on state government to recognise that with increased housing, public space and infrastructure for recreation and sport is more important than ever.

“We need the continued support of the State and Federal Governments in providing these resources for our communities through support for existing projects and grant programs.”

Mayor Ruddock added “based on modelling outlined in the report, by 2026 Hornsby Shire will see a deficit in supply of sportsground area of 45 hectares, and this will only increase. The rate of shortfall is predicted to be more than any other LGA in the region.

“We’re very proud of the diversity and vibrance of our community here in Hornsby Shire and one of the quickest ways for new residents to form meaningful connections at the heart of a community is by being part of sports teams. We need capacity for this to be available for everyone.

“The site of our Westleigh Development will become the largest single contributor of sports and recreational land in the NSROC region. In light of the findings of this report, that makes this facility simply crucial to the amenity of the northern Sydney region. And as the land is already acquired, it is a rare and significant opportunity to dissuade the impending shortfall that the modelling of the report indicates - one that we’re proud to be delivering for our community and for neighbouring LGAs.

“We thank the State Government for their commitment to our Westleigh Park project and their recognition of its importance to the northern Sydney region and our neighbours.”

The launch of the event took place at the site of Hornsby Shire Council’s Westleigh Park development a future premiere sporting complex that will feature three sporting platforms encompassing six sports grounds including five fields and an athletics track.

Commencing construction in late 2024, the facility - proudly funded by Hornsby Shire Council and the NSW Government - is the most significant single opportunity in the northern suburbs area to address the shortfall.

Click here to view the Review of Supply and Demand for Sports Facilities in the NSROC Region report.

Click here to view Hornsby Shire Council’s Westleigh Park Master Plan.

Image: Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan, Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock and Hornsby Shire Council General Manager at the launch of the Review of Supply and Demand for Sports Facilities in the NSROC Region report this week. Credit: Hornsby Shire Council