North Sydney Council is introducing a new booking system from 6 October 2026 to help keep access to local parks fair as demand for open space continues to grow.
Following community feedback, the system will help balance commercial activities and larger gatherings with free casual use by residents and visitors.
North Sydney has some of the lowest levels of public open space per person in metropolitan Sydney. The pressure is particularly evident in the Crows Nest and St Leonards precinct, where open space per person is projected to fall from 3.42 square metres in 2024 to 2.85 square metres by 2036. By then, around 90% of residents in the precinct are expected to live in medium and high-density housing, making high-quality parks and reserves essential for physical activity, mental wellbeing and social connection.
The new approach reflects community support for maintaining free casual access to parks while introducing appropriate charges for commercial and large group use. From 1 January 2027, commercial operators, private education providers and large groups using eligible parks and reserves will pay applicable fees, contributing towards the cost of maintaining and improving these shared spaces.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said carefully managing these shared spaces was fundamental to North Sydney's future liveability.
"In a densely populated area where most people live in medium and high-density housing, our parks and reserves are more than places for recreation. They are shared spaces where people can exercise, relax and connect and they are an essential part of what makes North Sydney liveable," Mayor Baker said.
"As North Sydney grows, every park and reserve becomes more valuable. We need to manage these limited spaces carefully so they remain accessible, welcoming and well maintained for the whole community."
"The new framework will help us get the balance right between parks being used for business and organised activities and remaining freely available for everyday community use.
"It will also ask those who benefit from organised use of public land to make a fair contribution towards its care."
The new booking system will provide a simpler and more convenient way for commercial operators, private education providers and larger groups to check availability, book eligible public open spaces and receive approval before using them.
It will also give Council better oversight of when and how parks are being used, helping manage competing activities, protect and manage park infrastructure and maintain fair access for the wider community.
Revenue generated through the fees will contribute to maintenance, infrastructure and improvements across North Sydney's public open spaces. It will also help reduce pressure on property rates to cover the costs associated with organised and commercial use.
Casual recreation and informal use by individuals, families and small groups will continue to be free. People can still meet for a picnic, walk the dog, exercise or spend time outdoors without making a booking or paying a fee.
