Parliamentary Inquiry: Have your say on Callan Park
Friday, 3 December 2021
Inner West Council is urging all citizens to make a submission to the select committee parliamentary inquiry into the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Bill.
The select committee has been established to inquire into and report on the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Bill 2021.
The Bill proposes changes to the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002. These changes - which include allowing commercialisation of the park and 50 year leases - are not supported by Inner West Council.
Acknowledging some of Council’s concerns, the Bill, which passed the NSW Legislative Assembly a week ago, was amended so that only not-for-profit businesses be allowed to lease buildings and facilities in the park.
It has now been referred to a select parliamentary committee for inquiry by the Legislative Council.
“I want to encourage residents to make submissions to this inquiry. Make sure your voice is heard on Callan Park,” Inner West Mayor Rochelle Porteous said.
“The Bill, unamended, could result in commercialisation and development of the park,” Mayor Porteous said.
“This is privatisation by stealth.
“Inner West Council will not give up the fight to save Callan Park. We remain firm in our demands,” Mayor Porteous said.
Council is calling for:
- No changes to the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002
- No future commercial uses at Callan Park
- No 50-year leases (potentially commercial leases) on Kirkbride, Broughton Hall and the Convalescent Cottages
- Keeping the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act in its entirety
- Establishing the Callan Park and Broughton Hall Trust
- Maintaining community, recreation open space access to Callan Park in its entirety
- The 38 hectares of Callan Park that were handed over to the Greater Sydney
- Parklands Trust in 2020 be returned
- Callan Park to be governed and managed as one park under the Callan Park and Broughton Hall Trust
The select committee commenced its inquiry on 19 November. Submissions close 16 January 2022. The committee will sit on 27 January 2022.
There is also an online questionnaire which will remain open until 19 December 2021. Individuals can make comment by completing an online questionnaire here.