There are already many synthetic turf fields at the edge of Lane Cove National Park:

• Lane Cove Council: two fields at Blackman Park, West Lane Cove
• Ryde Council: two fields at Christie Park, Macquarie Park and one field at Macquarie University near the end of Busaco Road
• Ku-ring-gai Council: Charles Bean Oval, West Lindfield and a  proposed field at Norman Griffiths Oval

Proposal for a third synthetic field at Christie Park

Ryde Council is now moving ahead with plans to add another synthetic field to Christie Park. The proposal is part of a masterplan that was adopted in March 2016. Stage 3 of the development of Christie Park would include a third synthetic football field, with undercover car parking for 300 cars and a potential fitness facility below the field.

Experience and scientific understanding of the impacts of using synthetic turf on playing fields has changed considerably since 2016. So there are strong reasons to question whether it is wise to proceed.

It appears that the only decision needed to be made by Ryde Council before the project can proceed is to amend the categorisation from ‘park’ to ‘sportsground’ of the land which would be occupied by the third synthetic sports field, entry plaza and accessible paths. This requires a consultation process whereby the public can make submissions. 

The closing date for submissions is 29 July.

In a further stage of consultation Ryde Council will be inviting community input that, as stated on the website:

… will play a valuable role in shaping the final planning and design of this much-loved community facility.

So feedback will be sought on a Review of Environmental Factors and Capital Expenditure Review.

The plan is for construction to commence in mid-2027 with completion by mid-2028.

Details of the project

Only concept diagrams have been released so far that show the location the new field that is to the south east aligned with the existing two fields. As the land on which it will be built slopes steeply towards the Lane Cove River it is necessary to build the field on a concrete platform. A car park will be placed underneath.

Environmental concerns

In addition to the basic concerns about the use of synthetic turf the location has additional risks. The response to these risks in the design of the field cannot be described until the Review of Environmental Factors is available. STEP will be looking at the following issues:

• management of stormwater from the elevated synthetic field that will flow into Lane Cove National Park
• runoff of chemicals and microplastics
• proximity to the Lane Cove River
• cumulative impact from another heat generating synthetic field
• impact of lighting on wildlife in the national park
• impact on the Powerful Owls whose nest hollow is about 500 m from the field