Member for Pittwater Rory Amon has called for urgent action following the indefinite closure of the Sydney Academy of Sport athletics track in Narrabeen.

The track was closed in December 2023 owing to ongoing “bubbling” of the track and following an assessment by the Office of Sport and its insurer iCare which deemed the track “unsafe”. The closure was despite long term “bubbling” on the track which did not previously attract the ire of Government.

“Track users report to me that the “bubbling” is not any worse than in the past, and for years the Office of Sport and its insurer were happy for the track to remain open. The track has had long term challenges and they need to be fixed, however, this does not warrant a heavy handed, arbitrary and bureaucratic response in closing the track indefinitely. The organised sport users of the track, such as the Manly Warringah Little Athletics, report that they have always been able to adapt and address any challenge associated with bubbling,” said Mr Amon.

Seeking an urgent collaborative approach, Mr Amon has written to the Minister for Sport (see letter enclosed) seeking an urgent onsite meeting with the Office of Sport, its insurer – iCare, which is owned by the people of NSW, and key stakeholders including Little Athletics, so that the track can be re-opened.

“It is concerning that the taxpayer funded insurer iCare seems to have been so inconsistent in their decisions regarding the track. The indefinite closure is causing significant detriment to our athletics community and school users. I have requested an onsite meeting with stakeholders to discuss how any identified risks can be mitigated so that the track can be used until a permanent fix is found.”

“The Office of Sport and the Minister seem to be doing their best to be responsive to enquiries on behalf of the Pittwater sports community, including helping establish a temporary grass track for use, but we need to cut through the red tape and find a practical solution now,” said Mr Amon.

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