LOCAL LIFE
New sporting fields take shape at
Fred Caterson Reserve
Preliminary works are now underway to transform the former Pony Club site at Fred Caterson Reserve, marking an important step in delivering new sporting fields and strengthening the reserve’ s role as one of The Hills Shire’ s key recreational hubs.
The project will see the construction of Fields 7, 8 and 9, featuring natural turf playing surfaces, a modern amenities building, dedicated parking, and improved access roads. The redevelopment repurposes the former equestrian site to expand the reserve’ s network of quality sporting facilities and support the growing needs of the community.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the project is vital in addressing the district’ s increasing shortage of sporting fields, which has now reached a deficit of 40 fields due to rapid population growth.
“ We are committed to providing the sporting facilities our growing community needs, and I look forward to the day when players, spectators, coaches, volunteers, families and the wider community can enjoy these new fields,” Mayor Byrne said.“ The Hills has the highest housing target in NSW, placing significant pressure on our parks and playing fields. These additional community fields are a vital step toward meeting demand and supporting active, healthy lifestyles.”
Under the Fred Caterson Reserve Masterplan, the site has been identified as a premier rugby union facility, creating a key venue to support the development of local junior rugby talent while also accommodating a range of other sports.
Mayor Byrne said the new fields will provide much-needed relief for local clubs and schools that currently compete for limited space.
“ Every week, clubs and schools compete for limited field availability. These new facilities will help ensure children and adults can continue playing the sports they love,” she said.
Council has also entered into a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding( MoU) with Eastwood District Rugby Union Football Club. The agreement does not guarantee field allocation or commit Council to delivering an elite-level facility, but reflects future opportunities for partnership.
Fred Caterson Reserve is already one of the Shire’ s most significant district-level sporting precincts, featuring six football and baseball fields, ten tennis courts, a BMX track, basketball stadium, radio control car track, and other recreational facilities.
The new fields form part of a broader suite of upgrades outlined in the approved Masterplan, which also
Mayor Byrne pictured with Deputy Mayor Clr De Masi and young people from Dural Rugby Club, Castle Hill United Football Club and Dural Walla Tag who are excited for the future fields
proposes expanding the Tennis Centre and improving existing facilities across the reserve.
Mayor Byrne thanked the NSW Government for transferring management of the former Pony Club land to Council in 2021, enabling the project to move forward.
“ This land was underutilised, and the NSW Government’ s decision to transfer management to Council has allowed us to deliver new active sportsgrounds for our fast-growing population,” she said.
Construction works were awarded to Glascott Landscape and Civil Pty Ltd in October 2025, with preliminary on-site works now underway. Council has also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the reserve’ s natural environment as construction progresses, with further updates to be provided as the project advances.
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10 ISSUE 129 // MARCH 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT