Local voices to shape future of Greater Sydney Parklands

Published: 13 September 2022 at 12:27 pm

Community members passionate about Sydney’s parklands can now have a stronger voice in their future management.

 

Greater Sydney Parklands is calling for feedback on its Draft Consultation and Engagement Framework and for Sydneysiders to nominate for a spot on one of five new community trustee boards.

 

Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Joshua French said the plan to expand consultation to include new advisory community trustee boards paves the way for greater grassroots participation in decision-making for Sydney’s iconic parks.

 

“Greater Sydney Parklands is delivering the NSW Government’s 50-Year Vision for Greater Sydney’s Open Space and Parklands to create a ‘city within a park’ and we want local communities to be part of this,” said Mr French.

 

“We’re putting engagement at the heart of our work because we value the contribution our communities can make in helping us shape the future of their parks and grow the city’s blue-green grid of quality green spaces and waterways.

 

“Nominations for Greater Sydney Parklands’ community trustee boards are now open and will provide the Trust with valuable insights into community interests and local perspectives on park stewardship, activities and usage, plus environmental, heritage and cultural issues.”

 

On 1 July 2022, the Greater Sydney Parklands Act 2022 came into effect, creating the first ever legislated city-wide urban parks agency for Sydney and legislating the establishment of community trustee boards.

 

Each board will be made up of seven members including council nominated community representatives, First Nations peoples, people with experience in heritage management and with a sound knowledge of the relevant parks.

 

“I encourage everyone who is passionate about their local park to provide feedback on the Draft Consultation and Engagement Framework and to consider nominating for their local community trustee board,” said Mr French.

 

Greater Sydney Parklands manages more than 6000 hectares of green space across greater Sydney including Western Sydney Parklands, Parramatta Park, Centennial Parklands, Callan Park and Fernhill Estate. 

 

Feedback on the Draft Consultation and Engagement Framework and nominations for the community trustee boards is open until Monday 10 October 2022.

 

For more information and to register to attend the community webinar on Monday 26 September 2022 at 6pm, please visit www.gspengagement.com.au