Northern Beaches Advocate: The hobbled athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport is set to be replaced with funding announced in the NSW Budget.
The athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Wakehurst Parkway, Cromer, has been closed since December 2023 when it was deemed unsafe after it began ‘bubbling’.
The synthetic track had been resurfaced, but began separating from the base as a result of suspected drainage issues and flood damage. The prolonged closure forced athletes to train and compete at facilities an hour or more away, and cost local athletics clubs hundreds of members.
Local MPs Michael Regan and Jacqui Scruby met with concerned stakeholders in March, committing to lobby the NSW Government to repair the track. That effort has paid dividends, with $6.7m in funding allocated for the repair in the 2025-26 NSW Budget handed down today (Tuesday, 24 June)...
Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said the closure of the track two years ago had a devastating impact on the Pittwater community.
“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.
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their $6.7m commitment for a new track and look forward to the next generation of athletes setting records at the venue.
“The closure of the track was a huge loss to our community. Since being elected, I’ve worked alongside Michael Regan to push for this vital upgrade. I’m proud we’ve delivered this outcome for our athletes, schools and sporting clubs.
“This track is more than infrastructure — it’s where young people train, compete and grow. I look forward to seeing it back in action,” said Ms Scruby.