Reforms introduced into the NSW Parliament are aiming to create greener and more financially sustainable futures for Sydney’s Callan Park, Centennial and Moore Park, Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parklands and Fernhill Estate.
The Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026 will update the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 and associated Trusts legislation.
Minister for Planning and Public Space, Paul Scully said the legislation will improve services and facilities for park users and support long term financial sustainability of Greater Sydney Parklands.
“This Bill contains a package of practical and sensible reforms needed to protect, improve and sustain our much-loved parks for future generations,” said Mr Scully.
“We’re protecting our parklands without standing in the way of sensible activations like cafes because people should be able to enjoy a flat white and banana bread at the park without always needing to pack a thermos or stop offsite for a takeaway brew.
“It will improve clarity, reduce inconsistency and make sure legislation for our parklands is fit for purpose into the future, for the countless people that use these iconic parks in their everyday life.
“These changes will allow further funding and investment opportunities, increase efficiencies and mean we can continue to make our parks accessible to the community into the future,” he said.
The Bill will reform four key areas to improve the parklands estate for the millions of people who visit them each year.
- Shoring up financial sustainability so parklands can be properly maintained, improved and expanded for generations to come.
- Modernising and streamlining leasing, licensing and tender processes to improve consistency across all our parklands while maintaining transparency for the public.
- Strengthening and aligning the objectives across the various parklands’ legislation.
- Cementing governance frameworks including further clarifying the role of community trustee boards.
Importantly, the legislation protects parklands and prevents the sale of any part of the parklands, the Minister said.
The legislation also responds directly to recommendations of the Joint Select Committee set up to review the Act and its objectives.
“The incredible parklands we manage are treasured places for recreation, culture, nature and community life so this Bill is essential for their ongoing improvement, funding and growth,” said Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive, Joshua French.
“This Bill provides the legislative framework that safeguards these spaces while ensuring they remain financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of a growing city.
“It makes sure that our parklands can continue to support Sydney’s population growth, demographic changes, and liveability, building connectivity and resilience but also retain their unique local character which makes them so special and loved by local residents and visitors.”
