Feedback closes 6 October 2025
The North Sydney Local Government area is a high-density part of metro Sydney with limited open space to support our growing population.
The Draft Policy recognises the high demand for open space and aims to create greater equity between the community, commercial users and organised activities. It promotes better management of shared use and encourages fair contributions from all users towards the maintenance and up keep of these valued areas. The long-term sustainability of our parks and foreshores is essential for all users.
Under the proposal, commercial activities, educational institutions and organised events involving more than 21 persons will require Council approval and be subject to terms and conditions of use.
Improved regulation will manage issues such as noise, waste management, pedestrian access, infrastructure condition and public accessibility. Currently, Council Rangers have limited authority to respond to complaints about these activities. This policy will provide clear guidelines to support fair and consistent enforcement.
The Draft Policy also proposes the introduction of fees and charges as part of the approval process. These contributions will help fund the upkeep of our public open space, ensuring a fair and equitable approach between commercial users, educational institutions, organised groups and the public.
At present, the maintenance and renewal of public open space in North Sydney is funded through rating revenue. Unlike neighbouring councils such as Mosman, Lane Cove, Willoughby, North Sydney Council does not receive any income from commercial use of public parks.
By introducing this policy, Council aims to:
- ensure fair and equitable access to public open space
- help preserve and maintain our parks
- align with neighbouring councils to create a consistent approach across the lower north shore.
Background
North Sydney is known for its beautiful harbourside setting, but our public parks and open spaces are limited and under increasing pressure from a growing mix of users. With little opportunity to create new parks and reserves, it’s more important than ever to protect and manage the spaces we already have.
We are one of the three most densely populated local government areas in NSW, and that density is growing. By 2036, North Sydney’s population is expected to reach 80,000 people, with nearly 90% living in medium and high-density housing. This means more people relying on shared public spaces for recreation, wellbeing, and connection.
To address these challenges, Council is considering a new policy to guide how commercial and group activities are managed in our public open spaces.
This policy will:
- Ensure fair access to parks and public open space for everyone in the community.
- Reduce wear and tear caused by commercial fitness activities and large group events.
- Minimise public liability risks linked to unregulated use.
- Limit impacts on nearby residents and casual parkgoers.
- Align Council’s approach with neighbouring councils.
By introducing clear rules and responsibilities for commercial and group users, we can keep our parks welcoming, well-maintained, and accessible for all.
Share your feedback on the proposed policy. Your voice will help shape how we care for our shared spaces.
Who is impacted?
This policy applies to anyone using public open space for commercial or organised group activities. That includes:
- Businesses charging for services like fitness training, dog walking, kayak hire and tours, or events including weddings etc.
- Educational institutions (non-government) using parks for operational purposes.
- Private groups needing exclusive use of a space or with more than 21 participants.
It does not apply to casual users, sporting groups with formal facility bookings, Council or State Government managed public events, or filming (covered by a separate Council policy).
If the policy is approved, what will this mean?
Impacted users will need to:
- Apply for approval before using public space.
- Comply with conditions such as group size limits, location restrictions, public liability insurance requirements and behaviour standards.
- Pay applicable fees to help maintain the spaces they use.
Timeline
Community feedback on the proposed policy is open until middnight on Monday 6October 2025. All submissions will be reviewed and analysed, and the findings will be presented to Council to help inform their decision on whether to proceed with implementing the policy.
How to Submit Your Feedback
You can share your feedback in any of the following ways:
- Online: Complete the submission form below
- Email: Send your comments toyoursay@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
- Post: Mail your feedback to NorthSydney Council, PO Box 12, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Please include ‘Commercial and Group Use of Public Open Space’ in the subject line of all email or written feedback.
All feedback will be made publicly available in the report to Council. Any personal identifying details, or content that is discriminatory, offensive, defamatory or inapproproate will be redacted.
For further information, please contact Council by emailing yoursay@northsydney.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9936 8100.