PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020

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PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
western
sydney
parklands
PLAN
OF management 2020

 December 2010
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
The Plan of Management for the Western Sydney Parklands is for the
purposes of the Plan adopted by the Minister for Western Sydney on
25 January 2011.

The Minister for Western Sydney’s adoption of the Plan of Management
for the Western Sydney Parklands excludes the Western Sydney Regional
Park, Kemps Creek Nature Reserve and Prospect Nature Reserve which
are gazetted and reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
Plans of Management for these gazetted areas will be presented to the
Minister for the Environment.
Prepared by the Western Sydney Parklands Trust.

© Crown copyright 2011
Western Sydney Parklands Trust
Level 4, 10 Valentine Ave
Parramatta NSW 2150
Printed April 2011
ISBN 978-0-646-54879-1

Disclaimer
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct
at the time of printing, the Western Sydney Parklands Trust, its agents and its
employees, disclaim any and all liability to any persons in respect of anything or the
consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or
any part of this document.
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
Contents

   Message from the Chairman             2  Figures
   Message from the Director             3  1 Parklands Today                    13
   Acknowledgments                       4  2 Metropolitan Context               18
   Caring for Country                    5  3 Parklands Land Use
   Your Parklands, Your Plan             6      Framework Plan                   40
                                            4 Parklands Precincts                45
  1.  Background                        11 5 Precinct Management
  1.1 Parklands for Western Sydney      12		 Guideline Plans                     46
  1.2 History of the Parklands          14		 Precinct 1 Nurragingy               47
  1.3 Parklands Today                   16      Precinct 2 Eastern Road Sports   49
		    Metropolitan Context              16		 Precinct 3 The Rooty Hill           51
		    Community Context                 17		 Precinct 4 Bungarribee              53
		    Natural Environment                 		 Precinct 5 Eastern Creek
      and Landscape                     19 			              Motor Sports         55
		 Indigenous Heritage                  19		 Precinct 6 Wallgrove                57
		 Non-Indigenous Heritage              19		 Precinct 7 Prospect Recreation      59
      Western Sydney Data Snapshot      20		 Precinct 8 Prospect Reservoir
  1.4 Operational Context               21 			              and Nature Reserve   61
  1.5 Best Practice in Parklands        22		 Precinct 9 Horsley Park             63
  1.6 Key Challenges                    24		 Precinct 10 Abbotsbury              65
                                          		 Precinct 11 Cecil Park North        67
  2. Strategic Directions               25		 Precinct 12 Cowpasture              69
  2.1 Vision			                         26		 Precinct 13 Kemps Creek             71
  2.2 Principles		                      27      Precinct 14 Cecil Park           73
  2.3 Strategic Directions              28		    Precinct 15 West Hoxton          75
		 Recreation and Parkland                		 Precinct 16 Bringelly               77
      Infrastructure                    30
		 Environment and Conservation         32
		 Culture and Participation            34
		 Urban Farming                        36
		 Parklands Development
      and Management                    38
  2.4 Land Use Framework                40

  3. Parklands Precincts                43
  3.1 The Precincts                     44
  3.2 Precinct Management Guidelines    44
		 Precinct 1 Nurragingy                46
		 Precinct 2 Eastern Road Sports       48
		 Precinct 3 Rooty Hill                50
		 Precinct 4 Bungarribee               52
		 Precinct 5 Eastern Creek
  			              Motor Sports         54
		 Precinct 6 Wallgrove                 56
		 Precinct 7 Prospect Recreation       58
		 Precinct 8 Prospect Reservoir
  			              and Nature Reserve   60
		 Precinct 9 Horsley Park              62
		 Precinct 10 Abbotsbury               64
		 Precinct 11 Cecil Park North         66
		 Precinct 12 Cowpasture               68
		 Precinct 13 Kemps Creek              70
		 Precinct 14 Cecil Park               72
		 Precinct 15 West Hoxton              74
		 Precinct 16 Bringelly                76
                                                                                      Printed on PEFC certified
  The Next Steps		                      78                                            paper using vegetable-based
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                                                                                      chlorine-free bleached pulp
                                                                                      sourced from sustainably
                                                                                      managed forests.
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
Message from the Chairman

                 We have come a long way since 1968 when the NSW
                 Government began the process that would create the
                 Western Sydney Parklands.
                 With the diverse spaces and places that comprise the
                 Parklands now recognised as a cohesive identity as outlined
                 in the Western Sydney Parklands Act 2006, we are now
                 focusing on the future.
                 The Trust is committed to achieving the Government’s key
                 goals for the Parklands which are to:
               — activate these lands and make them accessible for the
                 public to enjoy;
               — provide a place for many different uses such as
                 recreation, bushland conservation, urban farming near
                 the city, involvement in active sports and key community
                 services; and
               — continue to grow private business investment to create a
                 sustainable funding base for the Parklands in perpetuity.
                 The Trust aims to act prudently and wisely in its
                 stewardship of the Parklands to sustain its long term future
                 and to maintain its special place in the hearts and minds
                 of Western Sydney residents.

                 Brendan Crotty Chairman

2
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
Message from the Director

                 The 10 year Plan of Management for the Parklands has
                 been developed with the assistance of many individuals
                 and organisations. I would like to thank all those who took
                 the time to provide a submission, attend a workshop or
                 ‘Have a Say’ day, or participate on the online forums.
                 The Plan will provide a strong management framework
                 and assist the Trust in determining actions and priorities
                 over the coming years. To successfully implement the Plan
                 the Trust will work closely with Blacktown, Fairfield and
                 Liverpool City Councils, key stakeholders and landowners
                 in the development of the Parklands.
                 The creation of this Plan is an important step in securing
                 the future of the Parklands and delivering the long term
                 vision to meet the needs of Sydney’s growing population.

                 Suellen Fitzgerald Director

                                                                              3
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
Acknowledgments

                  The Trust would like to thank the individuals, Indigenous people, government
                  agencies and organisations who have provided their feedback and input
                  to the Plan.

                  In addition, the Trust would also like to thank the members of the Western Sydney
                  Parklands Trust Board and representatives on the Plan of Management Partners
                  Group for their input into the Plan.

                  Western Sydney Parklands Trust Board
                  Brendan Crotty, Chairman
                  Carol Mills
                  Mike Patrick
                  Jim Mitchell
                  Bob Waldron
                  Ro Coroneos
                  Norma Shankie-Williams
                  Suellen Fitzgerald

                  Plan of Management Partners Group
                  Steve Corbett		         Director and Chief Executive, Centennial Parklands
                  Sharon Davies		         Manager, Urban Growth, Sydney Water
                  David Demer		           Strategic Project Officer, Urban Growth, Sydney Water
                  Owen Graham		           Place Manager, Sydney Metropolitan Catchment
                  			                     Management Authority
                  Phil Hamdorf		          Director, Research and Development, Communities NSW
                  Liz Jeremy		            Director, Sustainable Living, Blacktown City Council
                  Carl Malmberg		         Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Lands, Land
                  			                     and Property Management Authority
                  Tanya O’Brien		         Manager, Strategic Planning, City Strategy,
                  			                     Liverpool City Council
                  Travis Roberts		Area Manager, Cumberland South Area, Department
                                          of Environment, Climate Change and Water,
                                          NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
                  Kerry Robinson		        General Manager, Development, Landcom
                  Rhonda Tyne		Executive Manager, City Outcomes, Fairfield City Council
                  Yolanda Gil		           Manager, Place and Programs, Western Sydney
                  			                     Parklands Trust
                  Suellen Fitzgerald		    Director, Western Sydney Parklands Trust

4
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
Caring for Country

                     The Western Sydney Parklands Trust
                     acknowledges the traditional custodians of
                     the land on which the Parklands is situated.

                     The Trust will work in a respectful manner
                     with the Indigenous Australians in Caring for
                     Country and aim to treat Indigenous people,
                     their cultural heritage, customs and beliefs
                     with respect.

                                                                    5
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
D
Your Parklands, Your Plan

                  eveloping the Plan of Management for the Western Sydney
                  Parklands has involved a broad range of consultation
                  activities designed to gain stakeholder feedback and
                  suggestions on the future management of the Parklands.
                  The consultation process was conducted in two stages
                  between June and November 2010. The early part of the
                  process helped raise awareness about the Trust’s objectives,
                  and inform the community about the various opportunities
                  to get involved in developing the draft Plan.
                  The second stage of the consultation process coincided with
                  public exhibition of the draft Plan between 11 October and
                  22 November 2010.
                  Engagement activities included stakeholder workshops
                  structured around the five Strategic Directions, along with
                  additional workshops focused on the 16 Parklands Precincts
                  identified in the draft Plan. The public exhibition period
                  was supported through newspaper advertisements, a Plan
                  of Management web page, community ‘Have a Say’ days,
                  online discussion forums, a survey (online and face-to-face)
                  and a ‘1800’ community phone line.
                  Over 840 people participated in the public engagement
                  process. About 680 people received information on the
                  draft Plan, contributed to the ‘Have a Say’ day events or
                  attended the Stakeholder Workshops, and more than 160
                  people provided comments through the online discussion
                  forums, surveys or written submissions.
                  Key stakeholders and the community were asked to identify
                  opportunities, challenges and issues relating to the Strategic
                  Directions identified in the draft Plan and comment on the
                  Precinct Plans.
                  This feedback was used to develop a Plan that will guide
                  the key priorities and actions for the Western Sydney
                  Parklands over the next 10 years.

6
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
Plan Process

           Engagement with stakeholders
             and community to assist in
              developing the draft Plan

                June – August 2010

             Draft Plan of Management
           on public exhibition, with more
            public consultation and input

            October – November 2010

         Adoption of Plan of Management by
          the Minister for Western Sydney

                    January 2011

     Implementation of actions and management
    priorities with further consultation as required   We are here

              Review Plan every 7 years

                                                                     7
PLAN WESTERN SYDNEY OF MANAGEMENT 2020
The Plan of Management
at a Glance

                    Vision
                    Western Sydney Parklands is a place
                    for people of all backgrounds to meet,
                    celebrate, learn, play and appreciate
                    the environment. The Parklands
                    will be a venue for communities to
                    create and manage a new sustainable
                    future on the Cumberland Plain.

                    Strategic Directions 2020
                    Recreation                                      Environment
                    and Parkland                                    and Conservation
                    Infrastructure

Objectives 2020   1. Improve access to the Parklands.             1. Secure a bushland corridor along
                  2. Create varied park spaces that                  the entire length of the Parklands
                     encourage passive recreation.                   to improve biodiversity.
                  3. Create venues and spaces that                2. Maximise environment and
                     promote sport and active recreation.            conservation research and
                  4. Develop a cohesive and identifiable             education opportunities.
                     landscape character for the Parklands.       3. Trust operations to achieve
                  5. Promote the Parklands as a visitor              carbon neutral status.
                     and tourist destination.                     4. Improve water quality and sustainable
                                                                     water use in the Parklands.
                                                                  5. Encourage community involvement
                                                                     in the environmental restoration
                                                                     of the Parklands.
                                                                  6. Protect and enhance the Parklands’
                                                                     Indigenous and Non-Indigenous
                                                                     cultural heritage.

Outcomes 2020     ­— Prepare and implement an access plan         — Increase percentage of on site water
                     for the Parklands.                             capture, reuse and recycling in recreation
                   — Activate an additional 5 percent (250 ha)      areas and urban farming.
                     of the Parklands for passive recreation.     — Increase percentage of renewable
                   — Expand capacity and attractiveness             energy used in the Parklands.
                     of Lizard Log and Bungarribee to create      — Expand the bushland corridor by
                     two new passive recreation hubs.               an additional 6 percent of the
                   — Double the extent of the Parklands             Parklands (330 ha).
                     Track network to 70 km of pathway.           — Trust operations to achieve the targets
                   — Create a cohesive image for the                for best practice as outlined in the
                     Parklands along its entire boundary.           NSW Government Sustainability Policy.
                   — Implement the Parklands                      — Develop a clear description, baseline
                     design manual.                                 data and understanding of the state of
                   — Facilitate provision of new sports             the Parklands natural assets.
                     facilities as required.                      — Identify and protect Indigenous
                   — Provide various opportunities for tourists     and Non-Indigenous cultural heritage
                     to visit and enjoy the Parklands.              assets within the Parklands.
8                                                                 — Compile a comprehensive Parklands
                                                                    heritage register.
Principles                                      The Parklands will be:
                                                — enjoyable for people of all ages, cultural groups and backgrounds;
                                                — sustainable in its management, development and promotion;
                                                — identifiable as Western Sydney’s ’backyard’, welcoming and inclusive for all;
                                                — educational and provide information about sustainable park management,
                                                  agriculture, recreation and a range of other activities;
                                                — accessible to all — physically, economically, in terms of safety,
                                                  transport and other factors;
                                                — viable economically for the Trust and for those using the land; and
                                                — in partnership — the above can only be achieved by working together
                                                  with stakeholders and the broader community.

  Culture and                                    Urban                                      Parkland
  Participation                                  Farming                                    Development
                                                                                            and Management

1. Maximise community awareness               1. Establish sustainable urban farming     1. Deliver sustainable management
   of the Parklands.                             in the Parklands.                          of the Parklands Trust’s assets.
2. Increase community use of                  2. Promote urban farming as integral       2. Maximise the use and community
   the Parklands.                                to urban futures.                          benefits of existing and new leased
3. Create a sense of community                3. Utilise underdeveloped land for            assets in the Parklands.
   ownership of the Parklands.                   farming in the interim prior to long    3. Develop new business opportunities to
4. Encourage children and young                  term parkland development.                 support the management and
   people to use the Parklands.                                                             further development of the Parklands.
5. Reflect and respond to culturally                                                     4. Allow for new infrastructure/utilities
   diverse communities.                                                                     and achieve a balance between the
6. Promote the Parklands as a                                                               recreation and aesthetic values of
   cultural venue.                                                                          the Parklands and the infrastructure
                                                                                            needs of external agencies.

— At a minimum double the number of           — Increase by 8 percent (415 ha) the        — Develop and implement an
  visitors to the Parklands.                     land used for urban farming.               asset management strategy.
— Increase participation in cultural events   — Increase the community interaction        — Lease up to 2 percent of the Parklands
  conducted in the Parklands.                    with urban farming in the Parklands        over a number of sites for business
— Increase volunteer numbers by                  by establishing produce markets,           uses to generate income to manage
  10 percent.                                    farm gates and educational programs.       the Parklands.
— Achieve visitor satisfaction ratings        — Demonstrate a model of urban farming      — Expand minor income generating
  of 70 percent or above.                        on public land.                            opportunities in recreational areas
                                              ­— Establish and develop positive             such as cafes, and shelter and bike hire.
                                                 partnerships with existing farmers,      — Increase visitation and use of existing
                                                 private owners and other operators         leased government assets.
                                                 in the Parklands.                        — Allow for new infrastructure/utilities
                                                                                            and manage the impacts of new
                                                                                            infrastructure/utilities within the
                                                                                            Parklands.
                                                                                          — Provide for community facilities
                                                                                            as required.
                                                                                                                                     9
Photo: Phil Carrick Vison

10
BACKGROUND

             11
1.1 Parklands for
Western Sydney

Pictured                        The Western Sydney Parklands,                21 percent of the Parklands is long
Hand weeding around new         located in the heart of Western              term infrastructure. The Parklands
plantings in the Cumberland     Sydney, comprise a 27km corridor             incorporates Prospect Reservoir and
Plain Woodland, Chandos         stretching from Quakers Hills to             the associated water supply canal and
Street, Horsley Park.           Leppington. Figure 1 shows the               pipelines, as well as electricity, gas and
                                Parklands today.                             water easements, waste services, water
                                                                             storage tanks, telecommunications
                                The Parklands runs through the               towers and other essential
                                three Local Government Areas of              infrastructure.
                                Blacktown, Fairfield and Liverpool
                                and is adjacent to two emerging              Prospect Reservoir and Prospect
                                residential growth centres.                  Nature Reserve (Special Areas) and
                                                                             Warragamba pipelines, Upper Canal
                                Successive NSW Governments have              and other adjacent lands (Controlled
                                spent over $400 million to date              Areas) are Sydney Catchment
                                in acquiring the land and establishing       Authority lands within the Parklands
                                the Trust to manage the Parklands.           declared under the Sydney Water
                                Since 2008, this significant investment      Catchment Management Act. These
                                in community infrastructure has been         Special and Controlled Areas protect
                                supplemented by Government with a            Sydney’s water supply and as such
                                further commitment of $75 million in         public access is restricted.
                                capital grants.

                                Consisting of 5,280 hectares,
                                the Parklands will be the largest
                                urban parkland system in Australia
                                and one of the largest in the world.

                                In comparison, Hyde Park in London
                                including Kensington Gardens
                                comprises 253 hectares; Central
                                Park in New York City comprises
                                341 hectares; and Golden Gate
                                National Park in San Francisco
                                comprises 411 hectares.

                                Much of the land is still to be
                                developed for its long term parklands
                                purpose. 40 percent of the Parklands
                                is currently interim land uses such
                                as rural residential or vacant land.         Extensive areas are leased for
                                                                             a variety of uses including agriculture,
                                The Parklands is characterised by            waste processing, motor sports
                                its diversity. Major recreation facilities   and rural residential purposes,
                                located within the Parklands include:        while about 7 percent of the
                              — Blacktown Olympic Park;                      corridor is still to be acquired
                              — Eastern Creek International Raceway;         from private owners.
                              — Western Sydney International Dragway;
                              — Sydney International Equestrian              In short, the Parklands provides
                                Centre; and                                  much more than recreational space;
                              — Sydney International Shooting Centre.        it is a critical area in Western Sydney
                                                                             in terms of infrastructure, agriculture
                                There are also picnic grounds                and water supply and other essential
                                at Plough and Harrow, The Dairy,             community facilities.
                                Sugarloaf Ridge, Lizard Log,
                                Nurragingy, Peckys, Walder Park and          The Parklands provides employment
                                extensive walking and cycling areas.         and training opportunities in tourism,
                                                                             recreation and environment and will
                                                                             continue to play an important role in
                                                                             providing jobs and training in these
                                                                             sectors in Western Sydney over the
                                                                             coming years.

12
QUAKERS HILL

                                                                           DEAN PARK                                                                                                    M7
                                                                                           1.3km                      Quakers Hill Parkway

                                                                        Richmond Rd

                                                                                                                                    Ric
                                                                                                                                        h   mo
                                                                                                                                              nd
                                                                   M7
                                                                                                    1.9km                                          Rd

                                                                        Power St
                                                                             1km
                                                                                                           Nurragingy Reserve
                      MT DRUITT                             Woodstock Ave

                                                 Blacktown                      1.9km                                                                                   BLACKTOWN
                                              Olympic Park                                                                           DOONSIDE

                                                                                                                      Doonside Rd
                                                                    Eastern Rd

                                          The Rooty Hill                               2.6km

                                                            ROOTY HILL                                                                  Bungarribee

                                                         Great Western Highway

                                                                                                                                                              G rea
                                    M4                                                                                                                                t We
                                                                                                                                                                             ster
                                                                                                                                    EASTERN CREEK                                   n Highwa y

                                            Eastern Creek                                                                                                                                                      M4
                                  International Raceway                                                                                                       Prospect Nature
                                                                                                   6.2km
                                                                                                                                                                       Reserve

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Peckys
                                        Western Sydney
                                 International Dragway
                                                                                                                                                        Prospect Reservoir
                                                                                                                                    Ferr
                                                                                                                                        e
                                                                                                                                      rs R

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Pros
                                                                                                                                                                                                             pec
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 t Tra
                                                                                                                                          d

                                                                                                            Chandos Rd                                                                                                 il

                                                               HORSLEY PARK                                                                                              Walder Park

                                                                        The Horsley Drive                        1.7km
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Victoria St
                                          Sydney International
                                            Equestrian Centre                                        Saxony Rd                                          Lizard Log
                                                                                                                                                                        The Horsley Drive
                                                                                             Rd

                                               Moonrise Lookout
                                                                                   Wallgrove

                                                                                                     4km
                                                  Sugarloaf Ridge
                                                                           Villiers Rd                                                              The Dairy
                                                            CECIL PARK
                       Sydney International                                                                                                   Calmsley Hill City Farm
                           Shooting Centre                                                                                                  ABBOTSBURY
                                                                                              3.9km
                                                                                                                                       Plough & Harrow
                                                                                                                                                                       El
                                                                                                                                                                        iza

                                                                                                                        CECIL HILLS
                                                                                                                                                                             be
                                                                                                                                                                               th

                        Kemps Creek
                                                                                                                                                                                    Dri
                                                                                                                                                                                       ve

                      Nature Reserve                                                       Kensington Place
                                                                                                              Cowpa sture R

                                                                    1.9km
                                                                                                                  d

                                                Twentyseventh Ave
                                                                              MIDDLETON
                                                          1.3km               GRANGE
                                                   Fifteenth Ave

                                                      2km
                                                                                             Shale Hills
                             AUSTRAL                                                                                                                     M7
                                                                                                                       WEST HOXTON
                                     Thirtysecond Ave

                                                                   2.1km
                                                                                                  HORNINGSEA
                                                                                                                                                                         M5                          y
                                                                                                  PARK                                                                                            wa
                                                                                                                                                                                             gh
                       B r i n ge l l y R d                                                                               Camde                                                         Hi
                                                                                                                                      n Valley Way                                 me
                                                                                                                                                                                Hu
                                                                        Bringelly Rd

                                                LEPPINGTON

Figure 1                                                                                                                                                                                North
The Parklands Today

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            13
1.2 History of the Parklands

Pictured (from left)            Much of the area now constituting           The Western Sydney Parklands
Road to Prospect picnic areas   the Parklands was originally identified     Management Vision (2004) mapped out
adjoining Prospect Reservoir.   in the 1968 Sydney Region Outline           a blueprint for the future of those lands
Photo: Christine Murphy;        Plan, to provide for infrastructure and     that included the creation of accessible
Children and farm animals at    future regional open space needs in         recreation areas and the regeneration of
Calmsley Hill City Farm 2010.   Western Sydney.                             natural bushlands as wildlife habitats.

                                In the 1970s, the boundaries of             To create a long term management
                                the Parkland’s Eastern Creek and            framework for the Parklands, the NSW
                                Hoxton Park corridors were confirmed        Government introduced the Western
                                through inclusion in local planning         Sydney Parklands Act 2006. This
                                instruments. Thanks to an active            Act confirmed the boundaries of the
                                land acquisition program by the NSW         Parklands and established the Western
                                Government, almost 70 percent of            Sydney Parklands Trust (Trust) to
                                the current Parklands area was              manage and develop the Parklands
                                accumulated by 1978.                        in partnership with other state and

                                In 1989, the NSW Government                 local government agencies within the
                                introduced SEPP No 29 — Western             Parklands boundaries.
                                Sydney Recreation Area to allow for
                                key recreational facilities such as the     The gazettal of the State Environmental
                                Eastern Creek International Raceway.        Planning Policy (SEPP) Western Sydney
                                These parklands provided lands for the      Parklands, in March 2009, provided the
                                2000 Olympic Games, with venues for         statutory planning framework for the
                                equestrian, shooting, baseball, softball    Trust and its partners to develop and
                                and mountain biking.                        manage the Parklands.

                                Since 2001, the NSW Government has          This Plan of Management
                                focused on managing and developing a        2010-2020 presents the vision for
                                single and cohesive park. The gazettal of   the Parklands and sets out prioritised
                                the Sydney Regional Environmental Plan      actions for the Trust to implement
                                No 31 — Regional Parklands in 2001          over the next decade.
                                provided a framework to manage land
                                uses and development located within
                                and along the edges of the Parklands,
                                including residential developments that
                                had reached the Parklands’ edges.

14
Timeline
                                        1968
                             1970       Sydney Region Outline
1970s                                   Plan identifies corridor
Boundaries of the                      for open space and
 Parkland’s Eastern Creek               infrastructure purposes
 and Hoxton Park corridors
 were confirmed through
 inclusion in local
 planning schemes

                             1980
1970s — today
Ongoing acquisition
 of private land to create              1989
 open space corridor                    SEPP No 29 — Western
 and parklands                          Sydney Recreation
                                        Area allowed for key
                                        recreational facilities

2001
Sydney Regional             1990
 Environmental Plan No 31
 — Regional Parklands
 provided a framework to                2004
 manage land uses and                   Western Sydney Parklands
 development located                    Management Vision
 within and along the                   mapped blueprint for
 edges of the Parklands                 the creation of accessible
                                        recreation areas and
                                        the regeneration of
                             2000       natural bushlands
2006                                    as wildlife habitats
Western Sydney
 Parklands Act confirmed
 the boundaries of the
 Parklands and established
 the Western Sydney                     2007
 Parklands Trust                        Parklands Track
                                        completed to provide
                                        public access to the full
                             2010       length of the Parklands
2008
Commencement of Western
 Sydney Parklands Act,
 appointment of Board                   2009
 Members and vesting of                 State Environmental
 land to the Trust                      Planning Policy (SEPP)
                                        Western Sydney Parklands,
                                        provides the statutory
                                        planning framework
2010                                    for the development
Completion of the                       of the Parklands
first Parklands Plan
of Management

                                                                     15
1.3 Parklands Today

Pictured (this page from left)      Metropolitan Context                         There are three sites in the Parklands
Kids Discovery Walk 2010;           Greater Western Sydney is currently          gazetted and reserved under
Kids on play equipment              home to approximately 1.8 million            the National Parks and Wildlife Act;
in Lizard Log.                      people and is one of Australia’s fastest     Kemps Creek Nature Preserve, Western
Photo: Phil Carrick Vision.         growing regions. It is Australia’s third     Sydney Regional Park, and Prospect
Pictured (opposite from left)       largest economic region.                     Nature Reserve. Separate Plans of
Clancy Catholic College Tree                                                     Management will be prepared for each
Planting Day at Shale Hills 2009;   The Parklands provides an open space         site and adopted by the Minister for
Senior’s Week Nature Walk 2010;     link between Sydney’s North West and         the Environment.
Cycling at Lizard Log.              South West Growth Centres, and acts
Photo: Phil Carrick Vision.         as a major service corridor containing       The Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036
                                    significant components of Sydney’s           (December 2010) sets out the Parklands’
                                    trunk infrastructure.                        role in providing valuable regional open
                                                                                 space for new communities expected in

                                    The Parklands is a major contribution        the North West and South West
                                    to the NSW State Plan’s priority, E8:        Growth Centres, as well as the rest of
                                    More people using parks and reserves,        Western Sydney.
                                    participating in sport, recreation
                                    and cultural facilities and E4: Better       According to the Plan, the
                                    environmental outcomes for native            Parklands provides a best practice
                                    vegetation, biodiversity of lands and        demonstration of integrated urban
                                    rivers.                                      parkland for the 21st century by:
                                                                               — providing regional environmental
                                    The Trust operates the Parklands for         and conservation opportunities;
                                    community use and will continue to         — protecting and promoting ongoing
                                    develop facilities and programs for          agriculture in suitable areas;
                                    community involvement and enjoyment        — developing park tourism and
                                    whilst also improving the quality of the     commercial uses on sites along
                                    biodiversity in the Parklands.               the major transport corridors;
                                                                               — maintaining secluded areas for
                                                                                 interaction with nature; and
                                                                               — delivering significant regional
                                                                                 community and recreation facilities.

16
In addition to the extensive adjacent     Community Context                            Studies by University of Western Sydney
industrial areas of Smithfield, Arndell   The places, activities, services and         indicate that, while the Western Sydney
Park and Wetherill Park, new employment   programs within the Parklands need           region has reasonable access to open
areas identified along the boundaries     to reflect this fast-growing, young          space, the type, quality and range of
of the Parklands include the Western      and culturally diverse population.           facilities provided requires improvement.
Sydney Employment Area, located at        Significant factors to be considered
the intersection of the M7 and M4         include the following:                       Long term trends, including population
Motorways. This Employment Area         — The need to provide educational              growth and the popularity of larger
has the potential to employ a total       opportunities in environmental               dwellings relative to lot size, will
of 40,000 workers and to change the       management and conservation,                 continue to diminish the amount of
nature of the land use and transport      as well as agriculture, recreation,          private open space available. This
patterns along the boundaries of          hospitality and other areas.                 reinforces the importance of the
the Parklands.                                                                         Parklands as a regional open space
                                                                                       destination and recreation resource.

Future population and employment          — The importance of access to outdoor        In addition, the Parklands can play an
growth will need to be supported by         physical activity to address community     important role in providing employment
additional public transport services.       health issues.                             and training opportunities in the tourism,
Existing services in Western Sydney are   — The need to cater to families              recreational, environment and business
largely focused on Sydney’s CBD, with       including parking and public transport     sectors in Western Sydney.
few cross-regional services. The lack       requirements.
of public transport limits the options    — The need to take into account the
to access the Parklands.                    area’s cultural diversity, and to
                                            encourage greater understanding
                                            between cultural groups.
                                          — The need to cater to a significant range
                                            of income groups.

                                                                                                                               17
North West
                                               Growth Centre        Rouse Hill
                                                                                                                  Hornsby

                                                                                           Castle Hill

     Penrith                                                                                                                       Br

                                   Mt Druitt                       Blacktown

                                                                                                                                   Ch

                                                                     Parramatta

                                                                   Prairiewood

                                                                               Fairfield
                                                                           Cabramatta               Key

                                                                                                           Western Sydney
                                                                                                           Parklands
                                                                                                          Bankstown                G
                                                       Liverpool
                                                                                                           Regional City
                             South West
                            Growth Centre                                                                  Major Centre –
                                                                                                           Existing
                                Leppington
                                                                                                           Major Centre –Kogarah
                                                                                                             Hurstville
                                                                                                           Planned

                                                                                                           Major Centre –
                                                                                                           Potential

                                                                                                           Declared
                                                                                                           Sutherland
                                                                                                           Wilderness

                                                                                                           National Park

                                                Campbelltown                                               State Conservation
                                                                                                           Areas

                                                                                                           Regional Open
                                                                                                           Space
         Figure 2
         Metropolitan Context                                                                              Open Space

                                                                                                           Urban Area

18
“We require these patches of nature for                                                                             Pictured (from left)
                                                                                                                    Cycling at Sugarloaf
 our mental health and spiritual resilience.                                                                        Ridge; Picnic in the
                                                                                                                    Parklands. Photo:
 Future generations, regardless of whatever                                                                         Phil Carrick Vision.

 recreation or sport is in vogue, will need
 nature all the more.”
 Richard Louv Last Child in the Woods 2006

                                               The Western Sydney Parklands                 Non-Indigenous Heritage
                                               Biodiversity Restoration Strategy 2008       The Parklands’ Non-Indigenous heritage
                                               provides a framework for the restoration     derives from its location on the route
                                               of the ecological values of the              to South Creek and the Blue Mountains,
                                               Parklands and prioritises actions for        and from early grazing and farming
                                               ongoing environmental management             along Cowpasture Road. The Parklands
                                               of the Parklands.                            includes market gardens, former military
                                                                                            places and major infrastructure such as
                                               Indigenous Heritage                          reservoirs and service infrastructure. Key
                                               The Cumberland lowlands that cover           heritage sites include Prospect Reservoir,
                                               most of Western Sydney is one of the         Upper Canal, The Rooty Hill, Bungarribee
                                               most artefact rich landscapes in Australia   Farm Homestead complex archaeological
                                               and is dominated by scatters of artefacts    site, Eastern Creek and the rural ridgeline
                                               that are known to be concentrated along      through Fairfield and Liverpool Local
                                               the margins of freshwater creeks. Eastern    Government Areas.
                                               Creek which is central to the northern
                                               half of the Parklands has evidence of        The Parklands provides an opportunity
                                               important open artefact sites.               for Western Sydney and the broader
                                                                                            community to learn about the region’s
                                               The Parklands falls within the interests     European heritage and later layers
                                               of the Darug people and the Deerubbin        of history, as well as celebrating the
 Natural Environment and Landscape             and Gandangara Local Aboriginal              cultural diversity of Western Sydney.
 Located on the Cumberland Plain,              Land Councils.
 the Parklands contains examples of the
 Cumberland Plain environment as it was
 prior to European contact.

These habitat areas and corridors contain
threatened and endangered species
which are protected under State and
Commonwealth legislation. Conservation
of these areas and the species within are
critical to maintaining the natural heritage
of Western Sydney against the pressures
of continued growth and development
within the region.

The Parklands also contain the
headwaters of Eastern Creek, as a
tributary of the Hawkesbury-Nepean.
The north-south ridgeline in the
Parklands is the catchment boundary
between the Hawkesbury-Nepean,
Georges River and Parramatta
River catchments.

                                                                                                                                       19
Western Sydney
Data Snapshot

        27%                      of the population are children
                                 aged 0-11 years

        19%                      of the population are young
                                 people aged 12-24

        1/3                      of the population
                                 were born overseas

        27%
                                 of the population were
                                 from non-English speaking
                                 backgrounds

        1.4%                     of the population are
                                 Indigenous people

        76%                      of households are families

        By 2031 the Western Sydney Region is estimated to
        accommodate an additional 350 ,000 new dwellings, which
        equates to 60 percent of the wider Sydney Metropolitan area.
        This equates to an additional 889,300 people in the Region.

        The population to the south of the Parklands is expected to
        increase by 113.1 percent in the next 30 years. In the north
        it is expected to increase by 51.8 percent.

        Source: Metropolitan Strategy
        Review 2036 Discussion
        Paper, NSW Planning and
        NSW Statistical Local Area
        Population Projection,
20      2006–2036, NSW Planning.
1.4 Operational Context

Parklands around the world are                 Funding Context                           “Large parks… are
acknowledged as vital leisure resources        The Trust has been established
for the urban community. Globally,             as a self funded agency. To fully          complex, dynamic
parklands managers acknowledge the             implement this Plan including
link with the broader issues facing our        developing facilities, programs and        systems… The trick
individual societies. For instance, by         environmental initiatives, the Trust
helping promote healthy and active             is developing an income stream of          is to design a large
lifestyles, parklands can play a vital         $10 million per annum within the
role in fighting the increasing prevalence     10 year life of this Plan. In order        park framework that
of lifestyle diseases such as obesity,         to achieve this goal a significant
heart disease and diabetes.                    portion of income will be derived          is sufficiently robust
                                               from developing long term leases
                                               for business purposes on 2 percent         to lend structure
                                               of its land over the long term to be
                                               able to deliver its mandate to create      and identity whilst
                                               the largest parkland in Australia. The
                                               Trust will also supplement its income      having sufficient
                                               through recreation activities such as
                                               tourism, and venue and bike hire.          pliancy and ‘give’
                                               Key Assumptions                            to adapt to changing
                                               The strategic thinking in this Plan
                                               has been based on a number of              demands and
                                               assumptions. These assumptions
                                               are outlined below.                        ecologies over time.”
                                             — All of the Trust’s land within the         James Corner Large Parks 2007
                                               Parklands remain as set out in the
                                               Western Sydney Parklands Act.
                                             — Outstanding acquisitions of remaining
                                               private land will continue under the
                                               Western Sydney Parklands SEPP.
                                             — The Trust will continue to fund its own
                                               operational costs.
Environmental challenges, such as            — Existing infrastructure and easements
climate change and resource depletion,         will remain in place and agencies
will change how communities use and            will continue to plan for their
perceive the Parklands. To respond to          expansion to meet the needs of
these challenges, measures such as             infrastructure in the Sydney Basin.
improving transport to and from the          — Major Parklands infrastructure
Parklands, improving water management          will be of a regional scale.
techniques, and promoting up-to-date         — The current statutory framework for
sustainable park management practices          the Parklands such as the SEPP and
will be important.                             Western Sydney Parklands Act remain
                                               in place.
In addition, the Parklands faces             — Objectives and timelines as put
a range of specific issues requiring           forward in the State Plan and
complex management strategies,                 Metropolitan Plan for Sydney continue
many of which relate to its large scale        to provide context to this Plan.
and the diversity of uses within and
adjacent to the Parklands.

Pictured (above)
Dam in Parklands,
Cecil Hills. Photo:
Radar Creative.                                                                                                           21
1.5 Best Practice in Parklands
Management

Globally, park managers are facing        Outlined below are some examples of
                                          best practice in parks management which
an array of issues and opportunities.     are informing the Trust’s management
                                          priorities and approach.
To deliver the best possible result for
                                          Community Health and Wellbeing
the people of Sydney, the Western         It is well documented that increasingly
                                          sedentary lifestyles are leading to a
Sydney Parklands Trust is learning from   range of health problems — mental
                                          and physical — that hinder productivity
the experiences and examples of other     and community wellbeing (The Value of
                                          Parks, Parks Forum 2008). By providing
parklands, through sharing experiences    spaces for recreation and cultural
                                          activities, parks have the capacity to
and practices through a range of          improve community health and wellbeing.

professional bodies and forums.
                                          Central Park, New York City
                                          contains an abundance of high
Pictured (this page)                      quality facilities, provides extensive
Mangrove walk at Bicentennial Park        sports and recreation programs, hosts
Photo: Paul Wright                        diverse cultural programs and events
© Sydney Olympic Park Authority           and provides a valuable resource for
Image courtesy of Sydney Olympic          the 48,000 school children located
Park Authority                            in the area. (Valuing Central Park’s
Pictured (opposite from left)             Contributions to New York City’s
Aerial view of Cockatoo Island,           Economy, Appleseed 2008)
Sydney Harbour. Photo: Sydney
Harbour Federation Trust; Golden          Productivity
Gate National Park Fort Mason             Growing community interest in eating
Oval. Photo: Christine Murphy.            locally grown food has led to numerous
                                          partnerships between local growers
                                          and communities. These ensure the
                                          maintenance of agricultural land through
                                          sustainable farming practices, and also
                                          create opportunities for a range of
                                          education and food tourism programs.

22
Conservation and                             Parks Usage
The Canadian Farm Folk/                    Climate Change                               As our urban population grows, the
City Folk Society is a non-profit          Population growth, diminishing               experiences people expect from parks
society that works with farm and city      biodiversity and climate change are          also evolve. Through innovative and
to cultivate a local, sustainable food     increasing threats to native eco-systems.    multi-faceted offerings, park managers
system. They develop and operate           Parks can respond by expanding areas of      can deliver unique experiences, which
projects that provide access to and        natural habitat within their boundaries to   will also assist in achieving economic
protection of agricultural land; that      provide refuges for wildlife. Parks may      and management goals.
support local growers and producers;       also be able to provide eco-linkages,
and that educate, communicate and          such as wildlife corridors, that extend
celebrate with local food communities      beyond their own boundaries.                 Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour,
(www.ffcf.bc.ca).                                                                       is a former imperial prison, industrial
                                           Parks form the core of a new,                school, reformatory, gaol and dockyard.
Funding                                    innovative approach to conservation          It is now a park managed by the Sydney
With park managers increasingly            that is establishing habitat linkages        Harbour Federation Trust and offers
under pressure to generate funds for       through vegetation corridors across          the opportunity to camp in the middle
continuing parkland maintenance and        the landscape, on public and private         of Sydney Harbour. The campground
development, examples of parks utilising   lands. Many scientists view ‘connectivity    provides the community with a unique
their assets to create a range of income   conservation’ as the best way of             city experience and generates revenue
streams are very instructive.              maximising nature’s resilience against       for the Trust. The island provides a
                                           climate change and other threats.            venue for entertainment and tourism
                                           (The Value of Parks, Parks Forum 2008)       activities as well as running a vibrant
Cornwall Park is located in the central                                                 arts, heritage and cultural program.
residential area of Auckland, New                                                       (www.cockatooisland.gov.au).
Zealand. The park generates income         Bicentennial Park, Homebush Bay
from a range of uses including a           Sydney, was created in the 1980’s in         Brand and Communication
working farm element that includes         time to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary    Increasingly, the concept of the park
cattle and sheep. Another key income       in 1988. The Park is part of Sydney          “brand” is crucial in attracting not only
stream is the subdivision of a large       Olympic Park and is a 100 hectare natural    patrons, but also funding from a range
portion of the site under a 21 year        heritage site that includes important        of sources. Branding should be clear and
renewable lease agreement. The             wetland, vegetation and environmental        recognisable, and applied to all products
income produced has been responsible       linkages and natural systems and offers      and programs. All communication
for meeting the development and            visitors recreation, nature based tours,     materials should also be streamlined,
maintenance costs of the park.             environmental education and outdoor          up to date and branded.
                                           event experiences.
                                                                                        Online information is an increasingly
                                                                                        important way to communicate with
                                                                                        park users: a high quality, user-friendly,
                                                                                        interactive website is therefore crucial.
                                                                                        The internet also allows parks to
                                                                                        participate in ‘partner hubs’ with
                                                                                        other parks around the world.

                                                                                        The Golden Gate National Park
                                                                                        Conservancy, California, USA has a
                                                                                        clear brand and image. Its products,
                                                                                        such as E-ventures, a monthly electronic
                                                                                        update on park news and events, is
                                                                                        both sophisticated and user friendly.
                                                                                        (www.parksconservancy.org).

                                                                                                                                 23
1.6 Key Challenges

Pictured (from left)            The Parklands and Trust face a            The Parklands seeks to learn from
Lizard Log playground.          number of challenges over the next        the development and operations of
Photo: Phil Carrick Vision;     decade. These include:                    other parks in order to manage the
Planting Day at                                                           overarching challenges it faces, as
Glendenning 2010.             — the large scale of the Parklands;         well as specific challenges that face
                              — the diversity of land uses within the     the Parklands in the future.
                                Parklands, including farming, waste
                                management, recreation, bushland
                                and trunk infrastructure;

                              — the need to raise the community’s
                                awareness and understanding
                                of the Parklands;
                              — the varying needs and expectations of
                                the diverse and fast growing existing
                                and new community accessing the
                                Parklands;
                              — use of Parklands for illegal trail bike
                                riding, and dumping of waste;
                              — finding ways to maintain sustainable
                                environments, including bushland
                                and urban farming, in the middle of
                                Australia’s largest city;
                              — the need for more public transport to
                                and from the Parklands;
                              — engaging with the health challenges
                                facing the community; and
                              — creating a sustainable business model
                                for large scale and diverse parklands.

24
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

                       25
2.1 Vision

        Western
        Sydney
        Parklands
        is a place for people of all backgrounds to
        meet, celebrate, learn, play and appreciate the
        environment. The Parklands will be a venue
        for communities to create and manage a new
        sustainable future on the Cumberland Plain

26
2.2 Principles

        	The Trust makes a commitment to the community to
          ensure that the Western Sydney Parklands reflect the
          principles of being:
        — enjoyable for people of all ages, cultural groups
          and backgrounds;
        — sustainable in its management, development
          and promotion;
        — identifiable as Western Sydney’s ‘backyard’, welcoming
          and inclusive for all;
        — educational and provide information about sustainable
          park management, agriculture, recreation and a range
          of other activities;
        — accessible to all — physically, economically,
          in terms of safety, transport and other factors;
        ­— viable economically for the Trust and for those using
           the land; and
        — in partnership — the above can only be achieved
          by working together with stakeholders and the
          broader community.

                                                                   27
2.3 Strategic Directions

28
This Plan of Management is structured around five key
Strategic Directions, each of which contains a number of
Outcomes to be achieved.
Each Direction also contains detailed Objectives and
Actions to be implemented in order to help achieve
the Outcomes.
By regularly reviewing its progress against the Outcomes,
the Trust will be able to measure how successfully it is
delivering its Vision.
The Plan sets out the actions for the next 10 years. Some
aspects of the Vision will go well beyond the 10 years of
this Plan.

                      The Strategic Directions are:
                     		     Recreation and Parkland Infrastructure
                     		     Environment and Conservation
                     		     Culture and Participation
                     		     Urban Farming
                     		     Parklands Development
                            and Management

                                                                     29
Recreation and Parkland
     Infrastructure

                                                 The Trust will work towards providing the highest quality sport, passive
                                                 and active recreation facilities, programs and infrastructure.

                                                 Parklands Now                                2020 Outcomes
                                               — Strong north-south track network           — Prepare and implement an access plan
                                                 with need to improve circulation             for the Parklands.
                                                 and access to surrounding areas.
                                               — 5 percent (264 ha) of Parklands            — Activate an additional 5 percent (250 ha)
                                                 used for passive recreation.                 of the Parklands for passive recreation.
                                               — Plough and Harrow fully developed          — Expand capacity and attractiveness
                                                 recreational hub at peak capacity            of Lizard Log and Bungarribee to create
                                                 in the Parklands. Lizard Log and             two new passive recreation hubs.
                                                 Bungarribee have capacity
                                                 to be significantly expanded.
                                               — 35 km of Parklands Track.                  — Double the extent of the Parklands
                                                                                              Track network to 70 km of pathway.
                                               — Not all of the Parklands’ 78 km            — Create a cohesive image for the
                                                 boundary is clearly marked as being          Parklands along its entire boundary.
                                                 within the Parklands.
                                               — The Parklands has inherited                — Implement the Parklands design manual.
                                                 design elements which are a legacy
                                                 of different development styles,
                                                 times and previous owners.
                                               —8 percent (422 ha) of Parklands             — Facilitate provision of new sports
                                                 used for sports.                             facilities as required.
                                               — Limited tourism opportunities.             — Provide various opportunities for tourists
                                                                                              to visit and enjoy the Parklands.

                                                 To achieve these outcomes, the Trust will undertake the following actions.

     Objective 1:                                 Objective 2:                                 Objective 3:
     Improve access                               Create varied park                           Create venues and
     to the Parklands                             spaces that encourage                        spaces that promote sport
     Key actions:                                 passive recreation                           and active recreation
1.   Develop and implement an access plan         Key actions:                                 Key actions:
     for the Parklands to improve walking,     1. Enhance and maintain recreation           1. Work with Councils to identify
     cycling and vehicle links between the        hubs at:                                     opportunities and facilitate the
     Parklands Precincts and continue          — Nurragingy;                                   development of sport and active
     enhancing the Parklands track network     — Bungarribee;                                  recreation hubs at Eastern Creek
     with new loop routes.                     — Lizard Log; and                               (Blacktown Olympic Park), Leppington
2.   Work with transport agencies to improve   — Plough and Harrow.                            and Austral.
     public transport to the Parklands.        2. Create a range of regional distinctive,   2. Position the Parklands as a regional
3.   Work with local Councils, the                varied play spaces — nature-based,           destination for active sports, by
     RTA and M7 Motorway operators                structured and unstructured.                 expanding current activities such
     to create better links with               3. Provide spaces and facilities that           as horse riding, and introducing new
     neighbouring communities.                    encourage families and community             activities such as mountain biking.
4.   Work with the road and rail                  groups to meet in an outdoor              3. Capitalise on existing venues such as
     government authorities, and Councils         environment.                                 Eastern Creek International Raceway,
     to improve access and signage to and      4. Work with Councils and Police to             Western Sydney International Dragway
     from the Parklands from major roads,         maintain the Parklands’ reputation           and the Sydney International Equestrian
     railway stations and key facilities.         as a safe, crime-free environment.           and Shooting Centres by diversifying and
5.   Develop a transport overlay                                                               enhancing activities at these venues.
     for special events that includes
     public transport and ‘park and ride’.

     30
Objective 4:                           Objective 5:
     Develop a cohesive and                 Promote the Parklands
     identifiable landscape character       as a visitor and tourist destination
     for the Parklands                      Key actions:
     Key actions:                        1. Develop relationships with
1.   Prepare a landscape strategy           public and private tourism
     to guide capital works within          agencies to explore opportunities.
     the Parklands.                      2. Promote the Parklands as a
2.   Develop a Parklands design             regional destination through
     manual to govern future capital        marketing of activities such
     works and achieve best practice        as agriculture and sport.
     in design and sustainability.       3. Encourage investment in supporting
3.   Define and maintain a cohesive         infrastructure such as a range
     image for the Parklands from           of tourist accommodation.
     the adjacent roads and properties
     along its boundary.
4.   Develop a public art strategy
     that is appropriate for the
     Parklands and its community.

                                                                                   31
Environment and
     Conservation

                                                 The Trust will develop, manage and conserve the Parklands using best practice
                                                 and inclusive sustainable practices.

                                                 Parklands Now                               2020 Outcomes
                                               — Limited on site water capture,            — Increase percentage of on site water capture,
                                                 reuse and recycling in recreation           reuse and recycling in recreation areas and
                                                 areas and urban farming.                    urban farming.
                                               — Limited use of renewable energy           — Increase percentage of renewable
                                                 in the Parklands.                           energy used in the Parklands.
                                               — 1,056 ha of Parklands is bushland.        — Expand the bushland corridor by an additional
                                                                                             6 percent of the Parklands (330 ha).
                                               — Limited implementation of targets         — Trust operations to achieve the targets
                                                 set out in the NSW Government               for best practice as outlined in the NSW
                                                 Sustainability Policy as relating           Government Sustainability Policy.
                                                 to water consumption, energy use,
                                                 and waste management.
                                               — The current data is high level            — Develop a clear description, baseline data
                                                 and needs updating and expanding.           and understanding of the state of the
                                                                                             Parklands natural assets.
                                               — Limited information currently available   — Identify and protect Indigenous
                                                 on cultural and historical assets.          and Non-Indigenous cultural heritage assets
                                                                                             within the Parklands.
                                               — Informal heritage register with           — Compile a comprehensive Parklands
                                                 limited information.                        heritage register.

                                                 To achieve these outcomes, the Trust will undertake the following actions.

     Objective 1:                                 Objective 2:                                Objective 3:
     Secure a bushland corridor along             Maximise environment and                    Trust operations to achieve carbon
     the entire length of the Parklands to        conservation research and                   neutral status
     improve biodiversity                         education opportunities                     Key actions:
     Key actions:                                 Key actions:                             1. Develop and implement a Parklands
1.   Research, map and understand the          1. Further develop an ongoing                  operation plan that will address
     quality of the Parklands natural             monitoring program.                         waste management, energy and
     systems and assets.                       2. Work with partners on case study            water resources and use of materials.
2.   Continue implementing, reviewing             research projects.                       2. Work with the tenants and
     and updating the Biodiversity             3. Work with research agencies                 stakeholders to reduce the Parklands’
     Restoration Strategy.                        and educational organisations               carbon footprint.
3.   Maintain ongoing protection                  to promote the exchange of
     and enhancement of core habitats,            information across the Western
     including weed, feral animal control         Sydney community.
     and fire management.
4.   Deliver key projects, including the
     restoration of the Cumberland Plain
     Woodland and linking areas
     of existing core habitats.
5.   Create a register of the Parklands’
     natural assets to be incorporated
     into the asset management strategy.
6.   Implement the Bush Fire Management
     Strategy for the Parklands for safety
     and biodiversity outcomes.
7.   Work with external groups
     on restoration and recovery initiatives
     such as bio-banking.

     32
Objective 4:                             Objective 5:                                 Objective 6:
   Improve water quality and                Encourage community involvement              Protect and enhance the Parklands’
   sustainable water use in                 in the environmental restoration             Indigenous and Non-Indigenous
   the Parklands                            of the Parklands                             cultural heritage
   Key actions:                             Key actions:                                 Key actions:
1. Work with a range of partners         1. Establish a volunteer program           1.   Develop partnerships with local
   to improve water quality in              to involve the local and broader             Indigenous individuals and groups
   Eastern Creek and other                  community in the restoration process.        to understand, protect and
   water bodies.                         2. Work with partners to develop                celebrate the Indigenous heritage
2. In partnership, investigate and          and implement an environmental               and cultural values of the Parklands.
   implement water harvesting and           education and training program.         2.   Work collaboratively with local
   recycling systems.                    3. Promote opportunities for children           and state heritage groups and
3. Ensure sustainable water principles      and young people to interact                 agencies to ensure the Parklands’
   and practices are integral               with nature.                                 Non-Indigenous heritage is
   to the design and operations                                                          considered in future planning.
   of the Parklands.                                                                3.   Develop partnerships to interpret
                                                                                         the Parklands’ cultural heritage,
                                                                                         and to uncover and promote
                                                                                         further aspects of the area’s
                                                                                         cultural heritage.
                                                                                    4.   Develop a consolidated
                                                                                         Parklands heritage register to
                                                                                         be incorporated into Parklands
                                                                                         asset management strategy.

                                                                                                                                 33
Culture and Participation

                                                   The Trust will work with its partners to provide spaces, facilities and programs
                                                   catering for people representing a wide range of cultures, abilities and backgrounds.

                                                Parklands Now                                    2020 Outcomes
                                              — 1.6 million people visit the Parklands         — At a minimum double the number
                                                per annum.                                       of visitors to the Parklands.
                                              — Little opportunity to participate              — Increase participation in cultural events
                                                in cultural events in the Parklands.             conducted in the Parklands.
                                              — Little opportunity for volunteering            — Increase volunteer numbers
                                                in the Parklands.                                by 10 percent.
                                              — Limited testing of visitor satisfaction.       — Achieve visitor satisfaction ratings
                                                                                                 of 70 percent or above.
                                                   To achieve these outcomes, the Trust will undertake the following actions.

     Objective 1:                                  Objective 2:                                     Objective 3:
     Maximise community awareness                  Increase community                               Create a sense of community
     of the Parklands                              use of the Parklands                             ownership of the Parklands
     Key actions:                                  Key actions:                                     Key actions:
1.   Enhance public awareness and             1.   Create a calendar of programs               1.   Create volunteering opportunities
     engagement through a public                   and activities that increases                    in areas such as education, recreation
     relations program utilising                   visitor numbers through multiple                 and the environment.
     diverse activities designed to appeal         return visits.                              2.   Establish community and web based
     to all sections of the community.        2.   Develop and promote diverse                      forums to build two-way relationships
2.   Strengthen relationships with key             programs and events to attract                   with Parklands stakeholders.
     stakeholders through a stakeholder            a variety of users across a broad           3.   Engage directly with Parklands
     engagement strategy.                          range of age groups.                             neighbours and private landowners
3.   Liaise with other park bodies in         3.   Develop activities that encourage                in the Parklands.
     Australia and overseas to promote             visitors to use the Parklands Precincts     4.   Develop a ‘Friends of the
     the Parklands activities and programs.        and areas.                                       Parklands’ program.
4.   Develop a unique Parklands               4.   Promote the Parklands as a                  5.   Maintain feedback opportunities
     brand to be applied consistently              venue of choice for organisations                for visitors.
     across all activities and programs            and community groups.
     with a distinctive ‘look and feel’.

     34
Objective 4:                              Objective 5:                               Objective 6:
   Encourage children and young              Reflect and respond to culturally          Promote the Parklands
   people to use the Parklands               diverse communities                        as a cultural venue
   Key actions:                              Key actions:                               Key actions:
1. Develop educational programs           1. Provide facilities that meet the        1. Connect with cultural events,
   and activities including schools          needs of diverse cultural groups.          exhibitions and programs across
   and youth organisations focused        2. Work with cultural groups and              the wider metropolitan area.
   on the environment, urban farming         organisations to develop a program      2. Provide venues for a range of events
   and healthy lifestyles.                   of events and opportunities that will      and activities.
2. Use new technologies including            help build strong connections between   3. Partner with appropriate agencies to
   communications and interactive            these communities and the Trust.           develop and provide cultural programs.
   technologies to engage with children   3. Develop communications material
   and young people.                         and processes for non-English
3. Create nature-based spaces that           speaking people.
   encourage play and creativity.

                                                                                                                            35
Urban Farming

                                            The Trust will protect and promote the Parklands as a valuable urban agricultural
                                            setting, with benefits for recreation, tourism, education and the local economy.

                                         Parklands Now                                  2020 Outcomes
                                       — 2 percent of public land in                  — Increase by 8 percent (415 ha) the
                                         the Parklands is being farmed.                 land used for urban farming.
                                       — Community interaction with                   — Increase the community interaction
                                         urban farming in the Parklands is              with urban farming in the Parklands
                                         limited to Calmsley Hill City Farm’s           by establishing produce markets,
                                         educational program.                           farm gates and educational programs.
                                       — Limited amount of public land                —Demonstrate a model of urban farming
                                         in the Parklands is being farmed.              on public land.
                                       — Existing farmers operating within            — Establish and develop positive
                                         the Parklands.                                 partnerships with existing farmers,
                                                                                        private owners and other occupants
                                                                                        in the Parklands.
                                            To achieve these outcomes, the Trust will undertake the following actions.

     Objective 1:                           Objective 2:                                Objective 3:
     Establish sustainable urban            Promote urban farming as                    Utilise underdeveloped land for
     farming in the Parklands               integral to urban futures                   farming in the interim prior to long
     Key actions:                           Key actions:                                term parkland development
1.   Establish agricultural uses       1.   Continue supporting Calmsley                Key actions:
     at appropriate locations within        Hill Farm’s educational program,         1. Work with agencies to achieve
     the Parklands.                         including programs linking to the           an understanding of long term
2.   Recognise the status of farming        wider Parklands.                            infrastructure development
     on private landholdings within    2.   Attract community based agricultural        within the Parklands, in order
     the Parklands.                         training programs and activities.           to identify opportunities for
3.   Work with existing and new        3.   Partner with research and industry          interim farming operations.
     farmers to promote sustainable         organisations to research and develop    2. Plan for the transition between
     practices through improved farm        issues around urban farming and             land identified as interim farming
     management.                            sustainable technology.                     operations and long term recreational
4.   Use initiatives such as farmers   4.   Encourage community participation           and environment uses.
     markets and farm gate sales to         in an urban farming program, its
     promote sustainability.                activities and events.
5.   Build relationships with other
     Sydney basin and regional
     farming operations.

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