Project background
About Charles Bean Oval
Charles Bean Oval was transferred to Council in 2013 through an agreement with Defence Housing Australia as part of developer contributions. Built to FIFA standards, it became Ku-ring-gai's first synthetic field.
The field is now an important community facility used extensively throughout the year:
Annual usage (2024):
- Northern Suburbs Football Association: 2,229 hours
- Lindfield Learning Village: 1,338 hours
- Casual hirers: 54 hours
- Total: 3,621 hours per year
This significantly exceeds usage at similar nearby facilities (Wellington Oval: 1,200 hours; Primula Oval: 1,172 hours - both are natural turf). The current synthetic surface can withstand much heavier use than natural turf would allow.
Why replacement is needed
Synthetic fields typically last approximately 10 years. A 2022 report commissioned by Council from Labosport found that the field no longer meets FIFA standards and recommended surface replacement in the near future, including a shockpad if synthetic surface is selected.
Option 1: Synthetic Turf
A new synthetic surface using the latest available technology, including infrastructure controls to prevent migration of microplastics into the environment.
Advantages
Capacity: Maintains current usage levels of 3,621 hours annually, supporting all existing user groups with their current arrangements for competitions, training, and recreational use.
Weather resilience: Can be used in all weather conditions with no recovery time needed after wet periods.
Predictable costs: Fixed, predictable maintenance costs over the surface's lifetime, already budgeted for and comparable to mowing a natural field.
Innovation opportunity: Construction of a surface aligned with the latest technology and newly released State Government Guidelines, potentially serving as a benchmark for future projects across the region.
Considerations
Environmental impact: Synthetic surfaces can generate microplastics. However, modern materials and design can mitigate these impacts:
- Crumbed rubber infill would not be used - safer, more environmentally friendly materials with better thermal properties are now available
- Boot and shoe cleaning stations would be installed at field exits to trap microplastics
- Enhanced maintenance schedules would clear collected material regularly
- Council actively participates in studies on microplastic mitigation
Construction costs: Covered by current budget allocation, including latest infill technology. Additional investigation needed for enhanced environmental controls to collect inorganic material.
Option 2: Natural Turf
A natural grass surface constructed using best practice methods.
Advantages
Environmental impact: Minimal environmental concerns beyond monitoring nearby waterways for elevated nutrient levels from fertilisation.
Excellence opportunity: Would enable construction of a "best practice" natural turf field - something that doesn't currently exist in Ku-ring-gai and could demonstrate excellence in sports field management.
Considerations
Reduced capacity: Cannot support current demand of 3,621 hours annually. Would require significant reductions in bookable hours for either Northern Suburbs Football Association or Lindfield Learning Village. Finding alternative locations for displaced users would be extremely difficult without impacting other community facilities.
Weather limitations: May need to be closed or have limited access during prolonged wet weather. Inappropriate use during these conditions can damage the surface, requiring several weeks of recovery time before the field can be used again.
Construction costs: A standard natural surface with drainage and irrigation would fit within current budget. However, Charles Bean Oval currently has an engineered subgrade designed for synthetic turf. Removing this, rebuilding with a natural subgrade suitable for turf, and installing drainage mains may incur additional costs beyond the allocated budget.
Increased maintenance: Would increase costs beyond current arrangements. These costs vary depending on weather conditions, wear patterns, and intensity of use. Additional expenses include:
- Potable water for irrigation
- Fertiliser and soil amendments
- Topsoil, turf, and seed for repairs
- Irrigation system maintenance
What about hybrid systems?
We have considered a hybrid synthetic/natural system, but this is not recommended for Charles Bean Oval as the technology hasn't been sufficiently tested on high-use fields with open public access.
Current research and guidelines
The NSW Government has undertaken significant research on synthetic surfaces. Following recommendations from the Chief Scientist, they developed comprehensive guidance including:
- Best-practice guidelines for sporting fields
- Synthetic turf sports fields in public open space
Community concerns about synthetic surfaces include release of microplastics, localised heat island effects, and potential human health impacts from microplastics and crumbed rubber infill. Council takes these concerns seriously and is committed to implementing best-practice solutions.
Parking challenges
The location currently has very limited parking. However, there is capacity within Lindfield Learning Village at certain times. To access this, Council will be required to subsidise the cost of accessing the parking through payments to the NSW Department of Education.
Independent expert assessment
Council has engaged two independent industry experts to evaluate Charles Bean Oval and provide specialist insights to inform decision-making. Read a summary and get access to the full reports via the tabs below
Please note: The views expressed represent the professional opinions of the independent consultants and do not reflect Council's position. Our aim is to provide the community with access to specialist industry knowledge to support informed community input.
