The North Turramurra Recreational Area (NTRA) development debate is similar to the recent housing development proposals put forward by the NSW government. Change might not suit everyone; local residents never jump at the idea of a new development that changes the landscape of their community. But in the case of this developmental debate, change might be for the better.

Some community members are worried that the NSFA will monopolise the community space because the grandstand is being built there. This worry is a fair assumption, but the reality is that the NSFA doesn’t operate in these fields every day of the week.

Sure, come game days on Saturday, young kids will use these fields for morning sport to more competitive adult competitions later in the day. But that's how weekend sports has always worked. Residents should be reassured that the fields will remain open for the community for school carnivals, exercise, and any other recreational activity throughout the week and during the 'offseason'.

CEO of the NSFA, Kevin Johnson, has provided an update on the grandstand development process.

"The design changes are open to community consultation until April 2024. You can see them and other information on the development on our website. The design changes were lodged with the Council about a month ago and need to be approved by the Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel (KLPP), which will be after the Council has undertaken its assessment and considered feedback from the community consultation."

Once the design changes are approved, the Council will then move to finalising the lease and project deed with the NSFA.

The Post decided to visit the NTRA, chat with some local residents, and gauge their opinions on the development.

"I do worry about the extra crowds the grandstand will bring, but if it's only on the occasional weekend, I can't see it causing any great issues you already see at other local fields with kids' soccer or netball, I guess it's just part of having local teams." - Simon, 48.

"It'll be a nice addition to the space if the whole community can enjoy the fields when games aren't on." Emma, 24.

Local community pages on social media continue to host discussions regarding the developments in North Turramurra.

"Everyone needs to make their voices heard otherwise, all our community space will be taken over by sporting groups. We all need access to our community-owned green space for not only physical activity and organised sport but for our mental health".

Another resident addressed their opinion on the matter.

"This is a classic case of a small but vocal minority trying to influence decisions for their own self-interest. The NTRA is a sporting facility that serves our local contribution to the 1.7 million Australians who play football. In terms of number of participants vs. area used, you would not find a more well-utilised area than the NTRA."

Locals are more than entitled to have their say about what happens in their community. However, local sport is a major aspect of a community's heartbeat. Fostering this heartbeat grows an unmatched communal unity that other suburbs would struggle to achieve.

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