Residents in Sydney’s north-west have taken direct action, physically obstructing council workers from felling trees at Fred Caterson Reserve in Castle Hill. The controversial development plans aim to transform cleared fields into a premier rugby union facility for the Eastwood Rugby Club, a project that would see the removal of approximately 350 trees.
The proposed upgrade would convert the former pony club grounds into three dedicated rugby fields, including one earmarked for use in the prestigious Shute Shield competition. However, a determined group of around 30 locals gathered at the reserve’s entrance today, staging a protest and vowing to impede any work scheduled to commence.
Environmental Concerns Take Centre Stage
Susan Sandercock, a spokesperson for the Fred Caterson Action Group, highlighted that this act of protest preceded a critical court injunction scheduled for this afternoon in the Land and Environment Court. The group’s primary concern revolves around the perceived inadequacy of the council’s environmental impact assessment.
“We want our day in court,” Ms Sandercock stated emphatically. “We want to know whether the court decides whether the environmental review that has occurred is actually adequate because it’s our legal opinion that it’s not.”
Specific environmental issues raised include the potential impact of proposed light towers and extensive tree clearing on vulnerable powerful owls, as well as the alleged recent discovery of endangered Dural land snails on the site. These concerns, the group argues, have not been sufficiently addressed by the council’s review.
The council’s own environmental assessment, however, claims that none of the identified breeding tree hollows were suitable for powerful owls. Furthermore, the assessment stated that no snails were found during their evaluation of the reserve.
Fred Caterson Reserve itself is a significant parcel of 58 hectares of NSW Crown land, featuring a mix of sporting fields interspersed with dense bushland, contributing to its ecological sensitivity.
Local Councillor Backs Protesters
Hills Councillor Mila Kasby has publicly voiced her support for the protesters’ actions, criticising the development proposal for failing to strike an adequate balance between sporting needs and environmental preservation.
“This is really special, sensitive ecology,” Dr Kasby explained. “We’re talking powerful owl, sooty owl, masked owl — really important nesting and breeding habitat for them. We have platypus in the creek. We’ve got wallabies and echidnas.”
Dr Kasby advocates for the creation of community fields that are in harmony with the existing environment, rather than necessitating the destruction of trees and vital wildlife habitats. She envisions facilities similar to those already present in other parts of the reserve, but without the significant environmental cost.
Addressing the Demand for Sporting Fields
Despite the environmental objections, Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne has underscored the pressing need for enhanced sporting facilities in the rapidly expanding region of Sydney.
“The Hills has the highest housing target in NSW placing significant pressure on our parks and playing fields,” Dr Byrne explained. “These additional community fields are a vital step toward meeting demand and supporting active, healthy lifestyles.”
The Mayor expressed anticipation for the day when the new fields would be enjoyed by players, spectators, coaches, volunteers, families, and the broader community.
Hills Shire Council has also stated that the memorandum of understanding with Eastwood Rugby Club does not guarantee exclusive field allocation nor does it commit the council to developing an elite-level facility.
However, Ms Sandercock remains unconvinced, expressing concern that the fields may ultimately be predominantly, if not exclusively, used by Eastwood Rugby. Her group’s vision is for the former pony club site to be repurposed into “maybe one or two low-key, true community fields,” without the trappings of fencing and lockable gates, ensuring genuine public access.
