Sydney's Centennial Park masterplan to explore entry fee for cars

The first master plan for Sydney's Centennial Park suggests that vehicles entering the Parklands could be charged an entry fee in the future.

Opened in 1888 as a gift to the nation to celebrate 100 years of European settlement, Centennial Park is recognised as one of the world's best urban parks. It attracts around eight million visits per year.

Its first-ever master plan for the park has been released and provides a blueprint for its management over the next 25 years.

Chief Executive Kim Ellis says the masterplan includes the greater use of existing buildings and a seven-kilometre outer walking trail developed.

Speaking at the launch of the Centennial Park Master Plan 2040, Ellis explained "the vision for the park is to make sure that we have an accessible public park that meets the requirements of the growing population of Sydney."

Ellis says there are no plans to introduce parking meters but car spaces will be reduced, and there could be an entry fee to help pay for road maintenance, stating "we are looking at some form of system to be able to get people to make a contribution who are just travelling through the park."

Ellis stressed that the idea that is still being explored at this stage.

Other aspects of the plan includes major upgrades to pathways and a new entrance that will integrate with a planned light rail station at Randwick.

The plan was developed in consultation with the community, with Ellis adding that it will ensure the park remains a peaceful oasis in the city.

He says the plan will reinforce the more rugged nature of the outer areas, a favourite feature for many visitors, concluding "one of the key elements of the master plan is to make the outer part of the park even a little bit more wild.

"Our landscape architects have suggested that we create this kind of a wild corridor that runs all around the park, more native plantings, more trees and build into that a seven kilometre walking track."

Key outcomes from the masterplan that will be implemented over the coming years include:

A seven kilometre outer trail walking track;

Major upgrades and improvements to accessibility and pathways, including funding for the creation of a new shared pathway along Oxford Street for pedestrian and cyclist safety;

A wild outer park to reinforce the more rugged nature of the outer areas of the park a much favoured feature of the park for many park visitors;

Creation of a network of new hubs, including one in the south west corner that will be part of a new entrance to the park that will integrate with the planned light rail station on Alison Road; and

An expanded education precinct with world-class nature education facilities.

The plan will be delivered over 25 years, and will be funded through a combination of NSW Government, benevolent and private partnership funding.

Commenting on the public response to the masterplan consultation, NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker stated "we were overwhelmed with the interest and support of the community for this significant public place, with over 1,000 individuals and organisations making some 3,000 submissions during the three-stage consultation period.

"This feedback was instrumental in refining and ensuring that the master plan remained relevant, and delivered on its core commitment of creating a sustainable and world-class park for the whole community to enjoy.

"The plan ensures that Centennial Park will be retained as an historic, peaceful oasis in our city, with its much-loved trees, green spaces and landscape areas."

Among many activities within Centennial Parklands, visitors to Tropfest! on Sunday 8th December 2013 will be able to uses a new free bike valet initiative, which aims to take 250 cars off Sydney roads and reduce traffic congestion in and around the Park.

With a big crowd expected to attend the world's largest short film .....

For more informaution go to www.centennialparklands.com.au/cpmp

2nd June 2010 - CENTENNIAL PARK TRUSTEES THREATEN RESIGNATION