Our community deserves sporting fields that are safe, accessible, and fit for everyone who uses Callan Park, from local sports clubs to families, dog walkers and older residents.

Right now, Inner West Council has lodged two Development Applications to replace natural turf with synthetic turf at the Balmain Road Sports Ground and Waterfront Drive Sports Ground in Callan Park. These proposals are now on public exhibition and submissions close on 9 February. 

As a parent of kids who play soccer locally, I know how important sport is for health and wellbeing, and how disappointing it is when games are impacted by the weather. Synthetic turf is often sold as a quick fix for overused fields, but in a place as important to our community as Callan Park, it raises real concerns. It creates heat islands, sheds plastic and chemicals into soil and waterways, limits how the fields can be used when games are not on, and locks Council into costly replacement cycles. 

There is a better way.

With best-practice drainage, turf upgrades and proper maintenance, natural grass fields can deliver the same amount of play time for sporting clubs while also supporting dog walking, informal sport, picnics and community use when games are not being played. The state government should be helping councils fund best-practice natural turf, not pushing them towards environmentally damaging synthetic surfaces. We do not have to choose between our love of sport and our care for the environment.

What you can do

Inner West Council's Planning Panel must consider community submissions before making a decision on these DA proposals.

Add your details below to receive our submission guide, which will provide you with clear, practical points to support natural turf fields at Callan Park, alongside the practical information on where to lodge your submission with Inner West Council before the 9th February deadline.