Northern Beaches Council will investigate the fast-tracking of new synthetic sports fields to help alleviate the sportsfield shortage.

Mayor Michael Regan in his Mayoral Minute moved at last Tuesday’s Council meeting said the community had clearly identified the urgent need for more sporting facilities.

“I am pleased to see work already underway on projects including more lighting and partnerships with local schools, but the largest number of written submissions to Council’s Sportsground Strategy advocated for the conversion of grass fields to synthetic surfaces.

“Sportsgrounds at Cromer, Forestville and Narrabeen which have already been upgraded to synthetic surfaces have been a resounding success.

“There is significant benefit to the community from providing a year round, 60 hours a week playing surface that stays in peak condition. 

“I have asked Council to prepare a report within three months prioritising fields which Council could convert to synthetic surfaces, with special consideration for Seaforth Oval and Kitchener Park which are both high usage grounds,” Mayor Regan said.