Ku-Ring-Gai Council Fire Contractor After Oval Returfing Saga

A project to replace a grass oval with a synthetic sports field on the north shore has become mired with controversy after enormous costs and delays, with the council finally firing the contractor this week.

Ku-ring-gai council wrote to contractor Turf One on Monday night to inform them of the decision, with workers ordered to stop work and leave Norman Griffiths Oval in West Pymble by midday Tuesday.

The oval has been a topic of hot debate since the decision was made to returf it in 2021, attracting warnings from government environment agencies, legal action from an environmental group, delays, and ever-ballooning financial costs.

Project estimates have doubled from $3.3 million in 2021 to $6.9 million this year, with councillors told in a secret meeting that in a worst-case scenario, costs could be significantly higher.

Since construction began, the Environmental Protection Agency had received multiple complaints of pollution into Quarry Creek, which runs into the Lane Cove National Park, though Turf One construction manager Michael Fitzpatrick denies his company was responsible for any pollution.

“We’ve built hundreds of these projects and this is the most difficult council I’ve ever dealt with,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Fitzpatrick also said he is currently considering pursuing legal action against the council.

Future of oval still uncertain

A council spokesperson said council has taken possession of the site and is making the area “safe and stable”.

“Council is developing a new construction methodology and procurement strategy which will see completion of the project in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. This will provide an updated cost estimate and opening date.”

The council also announced the launch of an an independent investigation into the years-long ordeal, looking into the cost and time required to return the oval to a natural turf field, in comparison to the completion of the current synthetic project.

The contractor estimates that the synthetic field is currently 80 per cent complete.

“We understand that there is frustration and disappointment in the community with the progress of the project to date,” read an update posted to the council website on May 20.