Preliminary works at Fred Caterson Reserve have re-sparked community opposition, with residents voicing concerns over the redevelopment of the former Pony Club site. Protestors have gathered at the reserve, holding placards urging work on the Crown land be stopped until the court case is heard. An ecologically diverse area, it is known for its rich flora and fauna.
The Hills Shire Council says the project will deliver new sporting fields and strengthen the reserve’s role as a local facility. However, concerns have been raised about the redevelopment, citing the council’s agreement with Eastwood Rugby Union Club. Council says the non-binding MoU does not guarantee field allocation or commit either party to an elite-level facility, with final allocation and any licence to be decided in the future. The Fred Caterson Reserve Masterplan designates the fields as a premier rugby union facility.
“Last year, Council resolved to award a tender for the construction of new sporting facilities at Fred Caterson Reserve. Construction has now commenced in an area that, due to its previous sporting use, is already largely cleared and will continue to be surrounded by important vegetation.
These facilities have undergone extensive studies and are funded through Developer Contributions collected specifically for this purpose. They represent a critical step in addressing the current shortfall of 42 sports fields across our growing Shire,” said a Council spokesperson.
Fred Caterson Reserve is a 58-hectare reserve of NSW Crown land, combining sporting fields with bushland. The former Pony Club land is planned to be converted into three rugby grounds, with large light towers installed and tree clearing scheduled in the coming days. More than 350 trees, including 11 with nesting hollows are set to be removed, affecting habitat for several endangered species and local wildlife.
According to Council, 32 of these trees are dead and exempt, while 18 are below minimum size requirements or exempt species under Council guidelines.
“These ‘community sports fields’ lay the groundwork for a premier rugby union facility with a 2,000-seat grandstand and high-intensity lighting. The broken promise was always that development here would benefit the wider community and be in balance with nature. Local residents want genuine community fields that retain the beautiful old trees and protect the critically endangered forest and the wildlife it supports,” said Greens Councillor Dr Mila Kasby.
Council says community access will be managed like other sporting fields, with public use outside training and game times.
“We want the local community to enjoy these green spaces and the wildlife to thrive; development should not come at their cost,” said Susan Sandercock from the Fred Caterson Action Group.
In September 2025, Fred Caterson Champions Incorporated commenced legal proceedings against The Hills Shire Council, challenging the adequacy of the environmental assessment. Two weeks ago, the group filed an injunction in the Land and Environment Court to stop work, but the court denied the request. The original case is yet to be heard.
