Decision to favour the Eels

Parramatta City Council has approved a development application which it hopes will enable the Eels to compete better with other NRL clubs.

The application by Venues NSW sought the training field, south of Parramatta Stadium, be extended by 10 metres southward plus associated work, which included tree removal and the erection of lighting pylons and fencing

“The current proposal stems from a need to incorporate an in-goal area for the training field,” said a document prepared by Perica & Associates Urban Planning Pty Ltd

“Currently the field is not a full size and contains no in-goal and no goal posts.

“The field is also very uneven. This places the Eels at a competitive disadvantage with other NRL Clubs in terms of training for matches.

The document noted that part of the existing field encroached into Parramatta Park.

“The Parramatta Park Trust has indicated it is agreeable to this minor “encroachment” because in practical terms the landscaped lot boundaries are flexible rather than structured boundary markers,” the document said.

The application, which was approved in January, said the estimated cost of the works was $1,634,829

Historical note: Parramatta Stadium and the surrounding precinct had been the location of a number of active recreational pursuits, including horse racing, football fields, motorcar racing and cricket matches.