PORT Stephens Council has broken ground on the long‑planned transformation of Don Waring Oval, with major works beginning Monday 6 July as part of a $7.8 million upgrade to the Tomaree Sports Complex.
The project will significantly expand sporting capacity across the precinct.
The current oval will be redeveloped into two full‑size soccer pitches, four touch football fields and a larger cricket oval, alongside new youth AFL facilities.
Upgraded sports ground lighting will allow the complex to host state‑level night events for soccer, cricket and touch football.
New infrastructure will include a Sports Walk footpath with seating and a viewing platform, advanced stormwater drainage to protect fields during extreme weather, a new entry roundabout, improved bus drop‑off points and two new car parks.
Mayor Leah Anderson said the upgrade delivered on a long‑term shared vision for a premier regional sporting hub.
“We identified this upgrade as a major priority in Council’s 2018 Masterplan for the complex,” she said.
“We’ve pushed hard for this funding to ensure our local and visiting sportspeople have access to the first‑class facilities they deserve.”
Councillors Mark Watson, Nathan Errington and Roz Armstrong each welcomed the project, highlighting its benefits for the more than 3000 local players and 30 sports clubs that use the complex annually.
Tomaree Sports Council president Bruce Scott said the expansion reflected strong collaboration between Council and local sporting groups.
“We really are kicking goals for our community and the region with this upgrade,” he said.
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington also praised the project, calling it a major win for the Tomaree Peninsula.
Works will be delivered in three stages, beginning with fieldworks and removal of the old bocce facility. Council aims to complete the upgrade by mid‑2027.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program, the NSW Government’s Level Playing Program and Port Stephens Council.
By Ruby VAN DE WIJGAART
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