Doyle Ground Sports Facility Improvements

Doyle Ground Project Update - September 2026

During excavations in the early stages of the project, pieces of bonded asbestos (fibro) were discovered in the soil beneath the grassed surface of Doyle Ground.

Further investigations have shown that fibro fragments are found in soil in an area larger than previous testing indicated.

City of Parramatta, in consultation with experienced specialists, has developed a Remediation Action Plan to effectively manage the asbestos. Rigorous environmental and public health controls will be used throughout the planned seven (7) week remediation program. Each stage will be certified as safe by an appropriately qualified asbestos remediation assessor before work begins on the following stage.

As work progresses, sections of the walking track, including the nearby playground and fitness equipment, will be closed. Park users are asked to follow signage and directions given by staff.

Asbestos testing and risks

Prior to commencing the Doyle Ground Sports Field Upgrade, environmental investigations identified localised ‘hot spots’ for asbestos (fibro fragments) in the soil beneath the grassed surface of the playing field. An appropriate management plan was incorporated into the planned construction program.

Initial and further testing conducted on soil samples indicate that the material found at Doyle Ground is consistent with pieces of ‘fibro’ or fibre cement board, a building product commonly used in construction prior to 1990. Fibro is a form of bonded asbestos (made with a mix of asbestos and cement).

Asbestos can become a health concern when fibres become loose, airborne, and can be ingested or inhaled.

While still managed with appropriate caution, asbestos fibres in bonded materials are less likely to become loose due to the binding action of the cement within the fibro. Fibres are less able to become airborne.

Remediation Action Plan

Council has approved a Remediation Action Plan to safely contain the asbestos contaminated soil on site.

Over seven (7) weeks, 15 large ‘cells’ will be excavated, with contaminated soil temporarily stockpiled in a designated area.

Soil stockpiles will be covered with specialist geotechnical fabric and dust suppression methods will be used.

Further excavation will recover clean, natural soil, from deeper within the cell – this will be put aside.

Contaminated soil will be placed into the base of the excavated cell and covered with a brightly coloured fabric ‘marker’ layer.

A thick layer of recovered clean soil will be placed over the top to safely contain the contaminated soil in a cell approximately 1m below the sports field. New turf will be placed over the top.

Once each cell is complete, an asbestos remediation specialist will inspect the site and provide a clearance certificate before work on the next cell begins.

Safety controls

For public safety, work areas are fenced. Additional exclusion zones will be created, and air-quality monitoring will be implemented, including monitors placed at the boundaries of the exclusion area to confirm containment measures are effective.

As work progresses, sections of the walking track, including the nearby playground and fitness equipment, will be closed. Park users are asked to follow directions given by staff.

SafeWork NSW has been informed of the proposed remediation works. Workers on-site will wear appropriate precautionary personal protective equipment.

To keep our community safe, a Long-Term Environmental Management Plan will be prepared to guide the ongoing management of the site.

Project delivery

Construction hours: work will generally take place Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm, and Saturday, 8am to 5pm.

As a result of this remediation work, the project is now scheduled for completion in July 2027, followed by a minimum 12-week turf establishment and maintenance period. Work is subject to site conditions and weather.

Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact City of Parramatta’s Project Manager, Cheng Yuan on (02) 9806 5856 or our Customer Contact Centre on 1300 617 058 or email council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au