Concerns raised over future of Parramatta Park and other community assets.
An article in this week’s Parra News featuring Suzette Mead highlights the concerns advocacy groups all over Sydney have about the Greater Sydney Parklands Exposure Bill.
Read Nicola Barton’s article here or read the transcript below.
Draft Bill sparks concerns for future of Parramatta Park
Parra News, 12 October 2021
By Nicola Barton
Critics are raising the alarm over the draft Greater Sydney Parklands Exposure Bill, with concerns it leaves the door wide open for commercialisation of public spaces, including Parramatta Park.
The Greater Sydney Parklands agency was created by the NSW Department of Planning and seeks to overhaul three existing Trusts to collectively oversee and manage Centennial Park and Moore Park, Callan Park, Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parkland and Fernhill Estate.
The State Government says the superagency will “better protect” green spaces and is offering, under the draft Bill, to establish community trustee boards to better ensure local voices are heard.
The draft Bill for the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust is on exhibition until October 29.
In response to the Bill, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by all parties of the Alliance for Public Parklands (APP).
APP formed at the beginning of this year following concerns over the formation of the Greater Sydney Parklands.
The MoU members include the North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group (NPRAG), Blacktown & District Environment Group, Friends of Callan Park, Centennial Park Residents’ Association, Friends of Fernhill and Mulgoa Valley, as well as other public parklands advocates.
APP and NPRAG spokesperson Suzette Meade has raised the alarm for what the Bill could mean for Parramatta Park.
“We must not let our public parklands fall into another web of legislation that permits further divestment and privatisation via ministerial consent,” Ms Meade said.
“The community must be in control of our public green assets, not just offered a token advisory panel seat.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the State Government consulted widely on the recently released white paper.
“There were passionate and differing views, but in order to create something lasting, we need to be bold and institute changes that are for the good of the broader public and future generations, not just the preferences of few,” he said.
“While existing park Trusts have protected some of Sydney’s most iconic public spaces since 1887, a new Greater Sydney Parklands Trust will be able to protect future parklands that will be predominantly located in western Sydney, and be managed by a world-class urban parks agency.
“It will ensure there is a strict ban on sale of public parkland.”
NPRAG criticised the white paper for not publishing all submissions and says it will continue to raise its concerns.
