NSW Athletics celebrates $8.3 Million Budget Commitment

NSW Athletics celebrates the NSW Government’s $8.3 million commitment to redevelop the synthetic athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen.

The upgraded facility will feature a World Athletics compliant, synthetic athletics track complete with a new asphalt subbase, a moisture resilient track surface, improved stormwater drainage and supporting infrastructure. 

The venue has long been a cornerstone of the athletics pathway in Northern Sydney, supporting school carnivals, club competition, development and training. The ongoing absence of a high-quality synthetic athletics facility on the Northern Beaches since 2023 has exposed a critical shortfall in infrastructure north of Sydney Harbour.

This development supports the upcoming NSW Athletics Facility Strategy, driving growth, participation, and long-term success for the sport across this region and throughout NSW

Athletics NSW Chair Matthew Whitbread said:

“This is a welcome announcement for athletics in Northern Sydney and NSW. We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for listening to the community and recognising the importance of this venue.”

“Athletics is a sport for life, and quality infrastructure like Narrabeen ensures our sport remains accessible, inclusive and safe for all participants of all ages and abilities.”

The announcement comes after strong advocacy from Manly Warringah Athletics Club, and its community, supported by NSW Athletics. Since the track’s closure, schools and clubs have been forced to seek alternate venues across Greater Sydney, creating logistical and financial barriers to participation and this announcement will help alleviate those challenges.

Little Athletics NSW Chair Costa Zakis also welcomed the announcement, saying:

“Today’s announcement by the NSW Government delivers not just the return of a critical facility, but renewed opportunity and confidence for hundreds of athletes and families.”

“We thank the NSW Government and local MPs for recognising how vital this venue is for our community.”

The investment was supported by key representatives, including Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan and Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby. In a statement published by the NSW Office of Sport,

Minister Kamper described the project as "...more than just a facility - it’s a key piece of infrastructure that supports athletes at every level, from grassroots to elite.”

The new facility of world-class standard ensures New South Wales continues to lead the way in sporting excellence.”

Regan said:

“The track is a critical public asset for the Northern Beaches community. It brings people together to connect, be physically active and focus on their goals. From school carnivals to athletics clubs, the impact of the track closure has been significant."

Scruby added: 

“The Northern Beaches has a proud history of developing athletes who have shone on the world stage,”

The closure of the track in 2023 was devastating and I’m proud to have fought hard on behalf of the Pittwater community for its replacement.”

Once completed, the upgraded facility will support a full calendar of athletics events, and general community use.