Decision details

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by the Chair (the Deputy Lord Mayor) –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note that Centennial Parklands is one of Sydney’s most significant public open spaces and a key venue for cultural and community gatherings;

(B)       Council note Centennial and Moore Parklands are surrounded by thousands of residents who use the parklands for passive and active recreation on a daily basis;

(C)       Council note that as Sydney’s population increases, it is more important than ever to balance and accommodate community needs, while remaining one of Sydney’s most popular and loved green spaces;

(D)       Council note the NSW Government’s recent announcement to lift the major events cap at Centennial Park from 8 to 12 events per year with over 20,000 attendees;

(E)       Council note that the NSW Government’s decision complements the City of Sydney’s ongoing work to support safe, well managed and accessible major events across the local area, consistent with Council’s goals to enhance Sydney’s cultural life and night-time economy;

(F)       Council note that this change aligns with the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms and broader goals to activate Sydney’s public spaces, strengthen the night-time economy, and support the growth of the state’s cultural and creative industries;

(G)      Council welcome this decision as an important next step in in supporting Sydney’s cultural life, providing certainty and reduced costs for event organisers by allowing greater sharing of infrastructure, and creating more opportunities for local artists, businesses and audiences;

(H)       Council note that additional major events at Centennial Park are expected to deliver positive economic benefits for nearby businesses, hospitality venues and accommodation providers in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington, helping to sustain Sydney’s night-time economy and tourism sector; and

(I)         the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Planning Paul Scully, and the Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham:

(i)         welcoming the decision to lift the major events cap at Centennial Park;

(ii)        expressing Council’s support for continued collaboration to ensure the park remains both a vibrant cultural space and a protected public asset; and

(iii)       requesting a commitment that events in Centennial and Moore Parklands are managed responsibly to minimise traffic and parking, noise and other amenity and environmental impacts on surrounding residential communities.

The motion, as varied by consent, was carried unanimously.

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