Independent MPs for Pittwater and Wakehurst, Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan, have secured $6.7 million in the 2025/26 NSW Budget for a synthetic athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen, in addition to the $1.9 million insurance payout.
The former track was closed in December 2023 due to safety concerns because of bubbling on the surface, leaving athletes, schools, and local sporting clubs without a suitable facility.
The new track will have an asphalt subbase, a moisture resilient track surface, improved stormwater drainage and supporting infrastructure.
“The closure of the track was a huge loss to our community,” said Ms Scruby. “I’ve worked alongside Michael Regan to push for this vital upgrade. I’m proud we’ve delivered this outcome for our athletes, schools and sporting clubs.”
The funding announcement came soon after the news that Manly Warringah Little Athletics (MWLAC) and Manly Warringah Athletics Club were merging. The new Manly Warringah Athletics will have about 900 members.
AJ Jauncey, president of MWLAC, said the club was happy with the funding news.
“We are thrilled with the announcement by the NSW Government,” Mr Jauncey told PL. “The closure of the track in 2023 has had a significant impact on the Beaches athletics community, so we are thrilled that the money is now being made available to repair and upgrade this critical facility.
“This season we catered to around 750 little and junior athletes, holding some events at the Narrabeen grass track and hosting ‘away’ events at Sydney Olympic Park and ES Marks in Moore Park. A new facility will allow us to cater to those athletes exclusively at Narrabeen.”
Mr Regan thanked the government for ‘coming to the table’ and said the funding commitment ‘clears a big hurdle in the race to fix the Narrabeen athletics track.’
“The track is a critical public asset for the Northern Beaches community,” said Mr Regan. “From school carnivals to athletics clubs, the impact of the track closure has been significant.”
Mr Regan thanked the community for their patience and said that they would share updates as the project progressed.
The NSW Office of Sport has already begun design and site investigations. A temporary grass track will remain available during construction. A full construction timeline, including start and reopening dates, will be announced shortly.