newy.com.au – Work will begin on Monday on a $7.8 million upgrade of Don Waring Oval at Tomaree Sports Complex, expanding the site into a larger multi-sport hub for the Tomaree Peninsula.
Port Stephens Council says the long-planned project will provide additional sporting capacity and larger fields at the complex, with the current oval to be expanded into two full-size soccer pitches, four touch football fields and a larger cricket oval.
The upgrade will also introduce youth AFL facilities, while improved sports ground lighting is expected to allow the complex to host state-level night events for soccer, cricket and touch football.
Other works include a new Sports Walk footpath with seating and a viewing platform, advanced stormwater drainage to help protect fields from extreme weather, a new entry roundabout, improved bus drop-off points and two dedicated new car parks.
Mayor Leah Anderson said the project delivered on a long-term plan for the site.
“We identified this upgrade as a major priority in Council’s 2018 Masterplan for the complex. We’ve pushed hard for this funding to ensure our local and visiting sportspeople have access to the first-class facilities they deserve,” Mayor Anderson said.
Councillor Mark Watson said the investment would provide lasting benefits for local families and sporting clubs.
“Over 30 sports clubs and more than 3,000 local players use this complex every year. Our community has championed these improvements for a long time and we’re thrilled to deliver them,” Councillor Watson said.
Councillor Nathan Errington said the added capacity would support soccer, cricket, touch football and AFL teams, while Councillor Roz Armstrong said the complex played an important role in keeping the community connected, active and healthy.
Tomaree Sports Council president Bruce Scott said the expansion followed years of advocacy and planning with the council.
“We’ve aspired to achieve these much-needed field upgrades for years. We partnered closely with Council to make sure the new layout serves our popular sports codes and the growing numbers playing and watching. We really are kicking goals for our community and the region with this upgrade,” Mr Scott said.
The work will be carried out in three stages to reduce disruption, starting with fieldworks and removal of the old bocce facility. Upgrades to car parks, road access and drainage will follow, before paths, park furniture and landscaping are completed. Council is aiming to finish the project by mid-2027.
The upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program, the NSW Government’s Level Playing Field Program and Port Stephens Council.
Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said the project was an example of different levels of government working together to deliver community facilities.
“This is exactly the kind of investment the Growing Regions Program is designed to support — projects that improve liveability, support growing communities and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” Ms Swanson said.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said the NSW Government was pleased to contribute to the project.
“Well done to Port Stephens Council for starting the expansion of the Tomaree Sports Complex, which will create more opportunities for local families, players and clubs to get active, with bigger, safer and more accessible sporting facilities,” Ms Washington said.
The original masterplan for the complex was adopted in 2018 and has already led to projects including the $3.2 million Bruce Scott Pavilion for sports and youth services. On 26 May 2026, council also endorsed a revised masterplan, developed with the Sports Council, setting out a longer-term vision for the complex as a destination sporting hub capable of hosting major multi-day events, as well as a new indoor sports facility.
