Ready, set, go! Construction starts on world class athletics facility for Lismore

Built to World Athletics Class 2 standards, the $5-million Southern Cross Regional Athletics Facility at the Lismore campus is designed to support schools, community athletics and regional sporting events alongside University activities like teaching and research.

When it opens in mid-2027, the Facility will help address a significant gap in regional sporting infrastructure in northern NSW while creating opportunities for participation, performance, learning and research.

It will also be available as a regional training venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

MAIN IMAGE: aerial view of the Southern Cross Regional Athletics Facility. (Concept visual (AI-generated); final design elements may vary.)

The Facility is a jointly funded project between Southern Cross University and the NSW Government, thanks to a $3.672 million grant from the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program, which funds infrastructure projects, services and program delivery across regional NSW.

“Today’s sod turn is an important milestone for Lismore and the Northern Rivers, marking the start of a project that will deliver modern, flood-resilient athletics infrastructure for the region,” said The Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western New South Wales.

“The NSW Government is investing in facilities that support stronger regional communities, create more opportunities for local participation and help regional NSW continue to grow.”

Joining Minister Moriarty in breaking the ground was the Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin.

“Lismore has always been a strong sporting centre, and this new facility will give local students, clubs and athletes access to the kind of track and field infrastructure they currently have to travel hours to use,” said Ms Saffin.

“It will also help Lismore host more school carnivals, club competitions and larger regional events, bringing people into the city and supporting cafes, accommodation providers and other local businesses.”

Southern Cross Regional Athletics Facility

The Facility is a core feature of the Lismore Campus Master Plan, a re-envisioning of the Northern Rivers campus to create an open, vibrant community precinct. The new athletics track will be built on the Maurie Ryan Oval.

Jack Willamson, Vice President (Finance and Technology) at Southern Cross University, said he was delighted to see construction get underway.

“When we launched the Southern Cross Learning Precinct (Gnibi Wandarahn) Master Plan in 2024, some of its ambitions may have seemed aspirational. But that is exactly what a master plan should do: set out the future we want to create, then deliver it,” he said.

“This world athletics standard facility is another important step in bringing that vision to life. It will be an asset not only for Southern Cross University, but for schools, sporting clubs, athletes and the wider Northern Rivers community.”

The precinct features:

• 8-lane athletics track with 10-lane 100m sprint straight
• SmartTracks timing and performance technology
• Long jump and triple jump facilities
• High jump and pole vault facilities
• Steeplechase facilities
• Throws areas for shot put, discus, hammer throw and javelin
• Tiered spectator viewing areas
• Accessible pathways with upgraded amenities and change facilities

Among the emerging athletes set to use the Facility are those training through the North Coast Academy of Sport, now part of the Regional Academies of Sport.

“For more than 35 years, North Coast Academy of Sport and Southern Cross University have shared a commitment to developing the potential of young people across our region,” said Brett O'Farrell, CEO of Regional Academies of Sport.

“The new athletics precinct represents a significant investment in that vision, creating a space where sporting ambition, education and opportunity come together.

“Having a world-class athletics facility located on a university campus gives youth athletes direct exposure to higher education pathways, research, mentoring and career opportunities while pursuing their sporting goals.

“It sends a powerful message that regional young people do not need to leave home to access exceptional opportunities. This precinct will strengthen athlete development and opportunities and help inspire the next generation,” Mr Farrell said.

The Athletics Facility is designed to support schools, community athletics and regional sporting events alongside University activities like teaching and research. (Concept visual (AI-generated) illustrating the proposed Southern Cross University Regional Athletics Facility precinct. Final design elements may vary.)

Learn more

Keep up to date with the Southern Cross Regional Athletics Facility.