North Sydney Council Archives - North Sydney Today

North Sydney Oval Eyed For NRL Games Under New Upgrade Plan

Photo Credit: North Sydney Oval/Facebook

North Sydney Oval, one of Australia’s oldest sporting grounds, is being lined up to host the National Rugby League games for the first time in decades, as local leaders and the North Sydney Bears push for a multimillion-dollar upgrade to bring the ground up to modern standards.

A Return Rooted In Legacy And Local Pride

North Sydney Oval is set for upgrades to meet NRL standards as part of the league’s expansion. From 2027, the Perth Bears will play at least one home game there each season to honour the club’s historic roots on Sydney’s lower north shore.

*Photo Credit: North Sydney Oval/Facebook*

North Sydney Council has long aimed to modernise the Oval for elite sport, especially rugby league and women’s cricket. An upgrade costing $10 to $15 million is expected, covering lighting, broadcast infrastructure, and improved player and spectator facilities.

Council And Club In Step For The Future

North Sydney Council is still seeking funding to upgrade the Oval, with strong backing from both the council and the Bears to keep it a key community and sporting hub. While support from higher levels of government remains uncertain, the goal is to have the ground play a role in the NRL’s expansion.

*Photo Credit: North Sydney Bears/Facebook*

The Bears plan to host eleven home games at North Sydney Oval in 2025, continuing its long-standing role in community events, junior league, and heritage matches.

Preserving The Ground, Not Just The Game

North Sydney Oval is a valued community space used for cricket, school events and more. Council plans aim to balance professional upgrades with continued local access, keeping it a shared venue rather than a full-time stadium.

Maintaining balance is central to the plan, with community input guiding the process. The goal is to preserve North Sydney Oval’s character while preparing it for future sport.

A New Era For The Bears And Their Base

The Perth Bears’ launch marks NRL expansion, but for North Sydney fans, it’s a revival. The team will enter a new market while keeping ties to its original home, if upgrades go ahead.

North Sydney Oval may not become a regular weekly host for the NRL, but its place in the bigger picture is clear. By updating the ground and continuing to schedule key Bears fixtures there, the NRL and local officials are acknowledging the deep community roots that helped build the game.

Published 14-May-2025

North Sydney Council Backs Shocking 87% Rate Hike

Photo Credit: Sydney Tourism

North Sydney Council plans to increase rates by 87% over two years, even though only 5% of residents support the move.

The proposal, known as Option 2A, will face a final council vote on 10 February. If approved, council will apply to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for permission to exceed the state-mandated rate cap. If IPART grants approval, the increase will take effect from July 2025.

Rate Hike Will Affect Residents and Businesses

The plan includes two major rate increases:

2025/26: A 45% increase in levies.
2026/27: A 29% increase in rates.
Residential Rates: The minimum charge will jump from $715 to $1,200.
Business Rates: The minimum charge will rise from $715 to $1,400.

Council claims that without these increases, it will struggle to fund essential services and infrastructure projects.

How Council Chose This Option

Council considered four rate hike options, with cumulative increases ranging from 65% to 111% over three years.

Despite strong public opposition, council chose Option 2A. The decision followed a 7-2 vote at a November 25 meeting, which allowed public consultation from 27 November to 10 January.

Olympic Pool Redevelopment Blows Out to $122 Million

Council says the rate increase is necessary due to serious financial challenges, largely caused by the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.

The 88-year-old heritage-listed pool, located beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has been closed since early 2021. Its reopening has been delayed multiple times, while project costs have spiralled to $122 million.

Rate Hike Slammed by Residents and Local Leaders Slam the Plan

The rate hike has triggered widespread backlash, with residents arguing that it is unfair during a cost-of-living crisis. Many believe council should find alternative funding solutions instead of placing the burden on ratepayers.

Local MP Tim James has called the proposal “disgraceful”, blaming poor financial management. Councillor Jessica Keen has also raised concerns, warning that the increase will hit first-home buyers and retirees the hardest.

Community groups have announced protests before the 10 February vote, demanding greater transparency and accountability.

What Happens Next?

Council will vote on the proposal on 10 February . If approved, it will submit a special rates variation application to IPART for final approval.

With protests expected and pressure mounting, residents now wait to see if the council will reconsider—or push ahead with one of North Sydney’s biggest rate hikes.

Published 7-Feb-2025