Port Stephens Council is excited to break ground on the long-planned transformation of Don Waring Oval at Tomaree Sports Complex.
The major upgrade gets underway from Monday 6 July to provide much-needed additional sporting capacity and larger sporting fields at Don Waring Oval, marking an exciting milestone in the $7.8 million project.
The project will expand the current oval into two full-size soccer pitches, four touch football fields and a larger cricket oval. It will also introduce youth AFL facilities and upgraded sports ground lighting will allow the complex to host state-level night events for soccer, cricket and touch football.
There will be a new Sports Walk footpath with seating and a viewing platform, advanced stormwater drainage to 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 upgrade delivers on a long-term shared vision for a premier regional sporting hub.
"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 it is wonderful to see this investment in the Tomaree Peninsula community, delivering lasting benefits for local families.
"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 this marks another step in transforming this complex with larger and more modern facilities.
"I'm proud to see this coming to fruition for our sporting community. Having additional capacity will see soccer, cricket, touch footy and AFL teams competing in front of family, friends and fans who will enjoy better access and viewing options including from the new Sports Walk," Councillor Errington said.
Councillor Roz Armstrong said this complex plays an essential role in keeping our community connected, active and healthy.
"This is a great step forward because it ensures we can provide the sporting facilities needed to meet our local needs now and into the future," Councillor Armstrong said.
Tomaree Sports Council President, Bruce Scott, said this expansion is an example of community focused collaboration.
"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.
Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, said:
"The major upgrades to the Tomaree Sports Complex are yet another great example of local, state and federal governments working together to deliver the facilities our community needs and deserves.
"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."
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, said:
"The Minns Labor Government is excited to be kicking in its share for this great project to help our community score goals.
"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."
Work will be completed in three stages to minimise community disruption starting with fieldworks and removal of the old bocce facility. Works will then improve car parks, road and drainage, ahead of paths, park furniture and landscaping. Council is aiming to complete the upgrade by mid-2027.
The $7.8 million upgrade is made possible by joint funding from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, the NSW State Government's Level Playing Program and Port Stephens Council.
The original Masterplan was adopted in 2018 and has already resulted in the delivery of key developments including the $3.2 million Bruce Scott Pavilion for sports and youth services.
On 26 May 2026, Council also endorsed the revised masterplan for the Complex, another collaboration with the Sports Council, to set out the community's vision for how the Complex could transform into a destination sporting hub able to host major multi-day events plus a new indoor sports facility.
The latest information, including progress and access changes, is available at haveyoursay.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/projects-works/tomaree-sports-complex-upgrade
