Funding
AFL NSW/ACT are proposing to contribute funding, which we estimate will cover the cost of the lighting.
What's happening?
We are proposing to install new lights at Mike Pawley and Frank Gray Ovals in John Fisher Park, Curl Curl to enable nighttime usage by AFL and other sports, helping to meet present and future demand for sporting participation.
We invited you to review the site map including the impact area and share your feedback. We received over 700 responses. Thank you to everyone that commented. We are currently reviewing your feedback, which will inform the next stages of the project.
Overview
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Growing particpation
We've seen significant growth in AFL participation, as well as other sports, and there's not enough space for everyone to play.
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Greater access
New lighting will increase the capacity of these ovals by enabling use after dark, particularly during winter.
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Available for all sports
Other sports clubs will also be able to book the fields for nighttime training.
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Minimising impacts
There will time restrictions to minimse impacts from light and noise and traffic on nearby residents and wildlife.
Further details
There has been significant growth in AFL participation, and training demand at Weldon Oval has increased. Clubs currently use Mike Pawley and Frank Gray ovals for training, but these fields have no lighting for evening sessions in the winter. A new pathway is also proposed to provide access to the Ovals from the Freshwater High School carpark, so as to reduce the likelihood of people parking in the neighbouring streets.
We're working in partnership with AFL NSW/ACT, who are proposing to contribute funding for new lighting systems at Mike Pawley and Frank Gray Ovals. We estimate that this will cover the full cost of delivering the project.
A Draft Review of Environmental Factors
has been completed for the project which has assessed both the short term and
future impacts of the project on the environment, residents and sporting clubs. This document is available under the resources tab, along with the John Fisher Park and Abbott Road Land Plan of Management (PoM).
While AFL clubs will have priority use of these ovals. Other sports can also book the fields through Council to use the lighting and facilities.
The lights will be able to be turned on and off remotely, e.g. from
a mobile phone by the sports clubs (if they have an approved booking) or by Council.
Bookings will have set end times to minimise light and noise impact on nearby residents and wildlife.
Site maps (including impact area)
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Resources
Want to learn more?
If you've got questions about the site map, impact area or the Draft Review of Environmental Factors, have a look at the frequently asked questions, or call the Project Team.
Frequently asked questions
We asked for your thoughts on the proposal by using the online comment form below. You could have also provided your feedback by writing to or emailing us.
Comments closed - Sunday 8 March 2026, 11.59pm.
Comment form
Have an enquiry?
| Name | Open Space Planning Team |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1300 434 434 (during business hours) or 131 450 (for translation services) |
| council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au | |
| In writing | marked 'Mike Pawley and Frank Gray Ovals - Lighting installation', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655. |
*The comments count is manually updated and only indicative until the final report is published. It reflects the total online contributions received only. Duplicate contributions will be counted as one unique contribution.
