Lyall Peacock Field stuck in 1962, clubs demand modern changerooms
Macquarie Scorpions and Toronto Awaba soccer club want Lake Macquarie Council to get state funding for a major rebuild of old facilities.
Lake Macquarie City Council wants state government funding to rebuild Lyall Peacock Field in Toronto. The ground is home to rugby league and soccer teams.
The grandstand and changerooms are from 1962 and don't meet modern sport standards. Scorpions president Kevin Maher said current facilities are not enough, especially for growing women's rugby league.
The ground has only two changerooms but needs four, plus a new canteen and grandstand. Female players must leave the field and shower at home.
But men can use the facilities. Council will follow the three-stage $39 million upgrade model used at Belmont Sports Fields.
At Belmont, federal and state governments shared the costs. Funding was released in phases over many years.
Council shared its master plan with stakeholders in July. It doesn't meet what both clubs want.
But negotiations continue. A $340,000 lighting upgrade promised before the last federal election is expected for 2027.
- 1962
- Grandstand and changeroom age
- $39 million
- Proposed upgrade cost
- $340,000
- Lighting upgrade funding
- Four (currently two)
- Changerooms needed
Why it mattersWomen's rugby league is growing. Better facilities are needed to support teams and bring more players to the sport.
AustraliaNew South Wales councils seeking state funding for infrastructure will likely face similar delays, and women's rugby league growth depends on councils securing multi-year grants.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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