Image Caption: Mayor Byrne pictured with Deputy Mayor Clr De Masi and young people from Dural Rugby Club, Castle Hill United Football Club and Dural Walla Tag who are excited for the future fields.
Preliminary works to transform the former Pony Club site at Fred Caterson Reserve are underway, signalling the start of a project that will deliver new sporting fields and bolster the reserve's position as a vital local sporting hub.
The construction of fields 7, 8, and 9, will feature natural turf playing surfaces, a modern amenities building, dedicated parking, and improved access roads. The project repurposes the former equestrian site to expand the Reserve's network of quality sporting facilities.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the project is essential to address the Shire's growing shortfall of sporting fields, which has risen to 40 fields due to rapid population growth.
"We are committed to providing the sporting facilities our growing community needs, and I look forward to the day when players, spectators, coaches, volunteers, families and the wider community can enjoy these new fields," Mayor Byrne said.
"The Hills has the highest housing target in NSW, placing significant pressure on our parks and playing fields. These additional community fields are a vital step toward meeting demand and supporting active, healthy lifestyles."
Council has earmarked the site as a premier rugby union facility in the Fred Caterson Reserve Masterplan, providing a key venue for developing local junior rugby talent and offering valuable additional space for a range of sports.
Mayor Byrne said the fields will be a major boost for local clubs, schools and competitions.
"Every week, clubs and schools compete for limited field space. These new facilities will help ensure children and adults can continue playing the sports they love," she said.
Council has entered a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eastwood District Rugby Union Football Club. The MoU does not guarantee field allocation nor commit Council to delivering an elite-level facility.
Fred Caterson Reserve is already one of the Shire's most significant district-level recreational hubs, home to six football and baseball fields, ten tennis courts, a BMX track, a basketball stadium, a radio control car track and more.
The new fields are part of a broader suite of upgrades outlined in the approved Masterplan, which also proposes expanding the Tennis Centre and improving existing grounds and facilities.
Mayor Byrne thanked the NSW Government for recognising the importance of unlocking the former Pony Club land for community sport.
"This land was underutilised, and the NSW Government's decision to transfer management to Council in 2021 has allowed us to deliver new active sportsgrounds for our fast-growing population," she said.
On 14 October 2025, Council awarded the construction tender to Glascott Landscape and Civil Pty Ltd, which has now commenced preliminary on-site works.
Council remains committed to protecting the natural environment within Fred Caterson Reserve as construction progresses.
Further updates will be provided as the project advances.
