Connell Park Precinct Development

In an exciting development, works have commenced today on establishing the new turf playing surface at Connell Park through a process called stolonisation. This sees the planting of turf in the sand carpet by specialist contractors and the application of liquid fertiliser to support growth and establishment of the new turf playing surface. We appreciate your patience as we bring these upgrades to life.

Bellingen Shire Council has been awarded funding through the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund to support the development of community sports facilities. As part of this initiative, the construction of a new amenity building has been awarded to Van Mal Group, ensuring improved infrastructure for local sports and recreational activities.

Bellingen Shire Council is thrilled to announce a $200,000 grant from the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF), a joint initiative between Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia! 
This funding will help build state-of-the-art three-lane cricket training nets at Connell Park, complementing ongoing field upgrades, including a brand-new turf wicket. 
The project, developed in partnership with Bellingen Cricket Club, will enhance facilities for regional competitions, school programs, and community participation.

To ensure the success of the new playing surface at Connell Park, a specialised contractor will carry out broadscale selective spraying on Friday, 17 January (weather permitting).

This follows recent regrowth of nut grass due to wet weather delays, affecting the progress of laying the new sand carpet.

The following controls will be implemented:

• Spraying within a closed construction site with a minimum of a 5m perimeter buffer.
• Monitoring weather to delay spraying if there’s rain or high winds.
• Confirming erosion and sediment controls prior to spraying.
• Using a specialised contractor for even and safe herbicide application.
• Placing signage on both ends of the Waterfall Way footpath and on the bridge accessing the playground

There are no immediate plans to remove the citrus trees at Connell Park along Waterfall Way. 

The Connell Park Plan of Management does highlight opportunities to enhance attributes such as shade trees and improve the alignment of the entry corridor along Waterfall Way. 

While these considerations may involve changes to the area, there are currently no actions regarding the citrus trees as Council is continuing to assess the feasibility and costings of this section of the project.

Should this work be recommended by Council staff, further information will be shared with the community through appropriate engagement processes.

The steering committee of the Connell Park Precinct Development will continue to liaise with the S355 Committee in the new year regarding any future plans for the citrus trees.

Connell Park - Field Upgrade and Lighting
Bellingen Shire Council has secured funding through the Essential Community Sports Assets Program and the Level the Playing Field Program for major improvements at Connell Park!

Project Highlights:

• Drainage & Playing Surface: New drainage system to enhance wet weather resilience and improve playing conditions on the three main fields.
• Cricket Facilities: Construction of a new turf cricket wicket and a synthetic wicket.
• Field Reconfiguration: Optimal repositioning of playing fields to make the best use of available space.

Field Lighting Enhancements:

• Smart lighting system for competition-level illumination.
• Extended hours to boost female sports participation.
• Access lighting between the new amenities building and parking areas for a welcoming environment for night users.

The Bellingen Shire Council was successful in its Stronger Country Community Fund Grant Application. The Project will see the Bellingen Swim Centre receive a number of improvements that will increase patron's experience and improve safety.

• Resurfacing of the 25m pool
• Resurfacing of the damaged concrete aprons
• New safety fence
• New shade sails
• New pool blanket.

Connell Park footbridge was completed in March 2024. The new structure boasts a spacious 3m width, offering pedestrians a safe and comfortable passage

The Connell Park netball courts upgrade was completed in May 2024! Thanks to funding from the Stronger Country Community Fund, the courts have been transformed from grass to high-quality hard courts, with brand-new lighting installed.

In June 2024, Bellingen Shire Council successfully secured grant funding under the Level the Playing Field program, leading to the upgrade of the netball court lighting.

The Bellingen Shire Council was successful in its Stronger Country Community Fund Grant Application for the Netball Upgrade. The awarded contract went to Sportsbuild in December 2023.