North Sydney Council Introduces Fees for Park & Reserve Use
New policy targeting commercial and group activities aims to manage public space and generate revenue as the council grapples with mounting debt from a major pool redevelopment.
The North Sydney Council has adopted a policy to charge fees and require permits for commercial and group use of over 20 parks and reserves, effective July 1 pending a vote. The policy seeks to manage limited public space and generate revenue as the council faces debt from the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment, which escalated from $56 million to $122 million.
Proposed Fees
- Dog walkers: $300 annual permit
- Weddings and gender reveals: upwards of $2,000 per three hours
- Social gatherings of 21+ people: $30-$50
- Groups up to 100 people: $150-$500
- Pop-up picnics: $50-$70 per three hours for two people, plus $300 annual permit; up to $200 per three hours for groups of 10
Council's Rationale
Mayor Zoë Baker stated the policy addresses resident complaints about commercial use and follows IPART's suggestion to explore revenue streams after rejecting an 87% rate increase. The fees are projected to generate $200,000 annually, far below the $10 million parks maintenance budget.
Reactions
"It is unreasonable to charge a per-event fee on top of an annual permit."
— Pop-up picnic vendor Vicki Ryvchin, expressing confusion over the new charges.
- Dog walker Chris Hanwell criticized the timing amid cost-of-living pressures.
- Paige Montgomery questioned enforcement costs and efficiency.
Academic Perspective
"A permit system can help manage demand, but incorporating new public spaces in developments is a more sustainable alternative."
— Miriam Williams, senior lecturer at Macquarie University.