The synthetic athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Cromer has been closed for over a year, leaving athletes, schools, and sports clubs without a vital facility. What was once a thriving hub for Northern Beaches runners and field athletes is now an abandoned site, with no clear timeline for its reopening.
The track was shut down in December 2023 due to significant damage, where the surface began bubbling and detaching—issues believed to be caused by drainage failures and flooding.
Although an insurance settlement has been reached, the funding only covers basic repairs, leaving a multi-million-dollar shortfall for long-term upgrades. New South Wales has yet to confirm when or how the track will be fixed, adding frustration for local athletes and sports administrators.
Community Impact and Membership Decline
The closure has had a direct impact on Manly Warringah Little Athletics, with membership numbers dropping from 900 to 750 over the past two seasons. Organisers fear another decline next season, as many families expected the track to be repaired by now.
The alternative grass track at the academy has proven unreliable, suffering from overuse and poor weather conditions, forcing event cancellations and further disrupting training.
The lack of elite athletics facilities in northern Sydney means many athletes are now forced to travel over an hour each way to venues such as Sydney Olympic Park and Centennial Park. The strain is particularly felt by junior athletes, wheelchair athletes, and school groups, who relied on the Cromer track for accessible training and competitions.
Athletics NSW Calls for Infrastructure Investment
Athletics NSW CEO Christian Renford has highlighted the broader issue of inadequate athletics infrastructure across NSW. He noted that the site was the only synthetic track north of Sydney Harbour, and its loss has left a major gap in facilities. The next available track for Northern Beaches athletes is in Gosford—a 180 km round trip.
Athletics NSW is currently conducting a statewide facility review to assess the critical shortage of athletics venues. The organisation warns that without urgent investment, NSW will struggle to support grassroots participation and athlete development, potentially weakening Australia’s performance at future international competitions.
Push for Action
Local MPs Michael Regan (Wakehurst), Jacqui Scruby (Pittwater), and Dr Sophie Scamps (Mackellar) are advocating for urgent funding from both state and federal governments. Dr Scamps has taken the matter to Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells, while Mr Regan and Ms Scruby have approached the NSW Premier and Minister for Sport to prioritise the project in the 2025/26 NSW Budget.
The MPs argue that the track is more than just a sporting facility—it is an essential community space that benefits schools, disabled athletes, and recreational runners. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching, they stress the importance of ensuring high-quality athletics facilities are available for future generations of Australian athletes.
Despite promises of action, there is still no confirmed start date for repairs. The track requires warm conditions for resurfacing, meaning work can likely only be completed during the summer months. However, with funding gaps and bureaucratic delays, there are concerns that the project could stretch beyond 2025, leaving athletes without a proper training venue for a third consecutive season.
Published 7-March-2025