THE PLAN
The Master Plan for Fred Caterson Reserve includes:
The expansion into bushland of most existing sporting facilities, and the construction of concrete pathways.
Building an elite premier rugby complex on the former Pony Club site (for Eastwood Rugby at this time).
Loss of more than 50,000 square metres of remnant urban bushland *
The Master Plan is a 30-year plan, but The Hills Shire Council has prioritised the construction of the elite rugby facility at this time.
In June 2023, $4.5 million of funding was allocated to commence construction on the elite rugby facility. This funding was sourced from developer contributions from the Showground Precinct. These contributions are to be used for community facilities required as a direct result of the development.
* Proposed Rugby Concept (March 2023) Amended plan reduces total vegetation loss to approx. 36,112m²
DID YOU KNOW?
Only sporting clubs, including Eastwood District Rugby Union Football Club, were consulted during the preparation of the Draft Master Plan, which was placed on public exhibition during Covid restrictions in 2020.
An elite premier rugby facility would bring thousands of spectators. This would lead to increased traffic and parking congestion in surrounding areas including Knightsbridge. There would be a left turn in and a left turn out of the facility.
A premier facility would bring excessive noise and light pollution. The noise from big night games would be heard in surrounding suburbs including Castle Hill and Kellyville.
Traffic flow in Fred Caterson Reserve is already problematic. Adding a premier rugby union precinct would make things worse, especially when game times clash.
Elite sporting facilities typically exclude the local community.
