Golfing collective unveils counter proposal for Sydney’s Moore Park

The Moore Park Golf Collective, an alliance of golfing organisations, has revealed an alternative plan for Sydney’s Moore Park course, countering plans announced by the NSW Government last year to halve it to a nine-hole course, and convert 20 hectares to public park.

The proposal, developed by consultants Sport Eng, suggest a reduced 18-hole public golf course with part of the open space to be reconfigured with 3kms of running, walking and cycling paths, adventure and nature playgrounds, a sports field, skate park, BMX track, fitness trail and dog park.

The alliance, comprising Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, Golf NSW and Moore Park Golf Club, today announced the plan to transform the Moore Park South precinct into what it calls “a vibrant, world-class recreational and golf facility.”

The alternative proposal, submitted to the NSW Government during its consultation process in April 2024, supports the retention of the 18-hole golf course by maximising un-used and under-utilised open space for active and passive recreation and active transport.

Its release follows resistance by golfers and stakeholders to the NSW Government’s plan to provide more open space to the nearly 700,000 people live within 5km of Centennial Parklands, most in high-rise apartments with little green space. The NSW Government proposal would turn over 20 hectares - nine holes of golf - to public parklands by mid-2026.

Announcing the Moore Park Golf Collective’s alternative proposal, Jared Kendler, Leader of Save Moore Park Golf, stated “we have been working to ensure the alternative proposal aligns with the Premier's vision to establish Moore Park South as a vibrant recreational destination for all.

“By enhancing existing infrastructure and revitalising un-used and under-utilised areas, the initiative aims to create a park that caters to diverse recreational interests in a financially sustainable way that solves the many challenges in the broader precinct.”

“This exciting master plan delivers a minimum of 15 hectares of quality and connected recreational space for play, exploration, relaxing, walking and sports activities for people of all ages and as such is a win/win/win for the Government, the people of Sydney and the visitor economy.”

This morning saw Kendler - along with Damien de Bohun, General Manager of Clubs and Facilities Golf Australia and Golf NSW Chief Executive, Stuart Fraser – unveiled the proposal designed to accelerate the NSW Premier’s vision for upgraded infrastructure and more recreational space while preserving the iconic and highly utilised Moore Park Golf Course.

de Bohun said the proposal prioritises the preservation and enhancement of Moore Park Golf Course, positioning Moore Park South as a park for everyone and the home of public golf in NSW.

He advised “not only does the proposal incorporate innovative features such as protected recreational areas and well-connected walking, running and cycling tracks, it also offers a 500-space carpark to accommodate the growing influx of visitors and overflow parking for major events in the area.

“With golf one of the most popular organised sports in Australia in 2024, this plan addresses the significant demand for golf facilities and ensures that Australia’s busiest 18-hole public golf course remains available and accessible to people from all walks of life, contributing to improved physical and mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

Creating significant employment opportunities in management, events, retail and hospitality, Moore Park Golf Course is also home to a thriving golf academy, where PGA of Australia professionals conduct more than 77 lessons per day, including group classes for children and new Mums and Bubs sessions.

Noting that Moore Park Golf Club has been a key community asset for over 100 years, Fraser added “Golf NSW believes the alternate proposal provides a win-win solution for the NSW Government and a growing Sydney by offering a multitude of recreational activities, whilst continuing to service the massive demand for publicly accessible golf via an 18-hole course.

“The proposed recreational hub will truly be the heartbeat of the precinct, and golf industry stakeholders welcome the opportunity to maximise the recreational benefits of the site for the community."

The Collective is also working to build climate resilience and biodiversity by creating revegetation areas throughout the course for the critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS). Undertaken with IndigiGrow, a social enterprise from First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, sustaining people, land and culture through the propagation and growing of native plants, the initiative will promote environmental sustainability and continue conservation efforts.

Images: The Moore Park Golf Course (top) and plans, designed by the SportEng consultancy, for its reconfiguration with 3kms of running, walking and cycling paths, adventure and nature playgrounds, a sports field, skate park, BMX track, fitness trail and dog park (middle and below).