By ANNA USHER

Cammeray residents are being asked to have their say on 2.5 hectares of parkland that will be handed back to the community following the construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel.

The land, between Cammeray Golf Course and the Warringah Freeway, will be transformed with level paths, a synthetic soccer pitch and recreation zones that could include basketball or pickleball courts.

A draft design released by Transport for NSW is now on exhibition, and locals are encouraged to review the plans and provide feedback.

North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker told Mosman Collective she welcomed the return of green space to the community, particularly in one of Sydney’s most densely populated areas.

“Open space is vital to the health, wellbeing and liveability of our community, particularly in an increasingly dense area like North Sydney,” Mayor Baker said.

“Council remains firmly committed to protecting and maximising public open space wherever possible.”

Once construction finishes in late 2028, the three-lane tunnels in the 6.5-kilometre Western Harbour Tunnel motorway will link the Warringah Freeway to the WestConnex toll road at Rozelle, providing motorists an alternative to the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel in the CBD.

Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison told the Sydney Morning Herald the parkland would be a “lush oasis” next to one of Australia’s busiest roads.

“What this is designed to do is to really give back to the community a green space where they can enjoy their time,” she said. The government was “getting on with delivering the Western Harbour Tunnel but we are also making sure the communities hosting this major construction work see a lasting benefit”, Aitchison said in a statement.

Mayor Baker said the draft plan represented a positive step for the community, while acknowledging it does not fully compensate for the significant impacts of major road projects in the area.

“While Cammeray has experienced a net loss of open space as a result of major road infrastructure, the outcome proposed is better than what was initially feared.

“Council and the community have advocated strongly for the greatest possible amount of land to be returned for genuine public use, and our focus now is ensuring these parklands deliver the best possible outcome for generations to come.”

The new parklands will provide opportunities for people to relax, exercise, connect with nature and enjoy time outdoors close to home, Council said.

The draft Cammeray Parklands plan includes:

• 2.5 hectares of open space, with usable level lawns, gardens and intentional tree planting to shade paths, seating, sports courts and rest zones.
• An active recreation zone, with a half court (e.g. for basketball or pickleball) and a five-a-side synthetic soccer pitch.
• Shaded outdoor fitness equipment station.
• Accessible pathway network designed for all ages and abilities.
• Shaded seating areas for respite.
• A public car park with eight parking spaces including one accessible space.
• Re-establishment of native plants, enhancing biodiversity and habitat creation.
• Opportunity for public artworks by First Nations artists throughout the parklands.
• Active transport walking and cycling links to local network, including to the upgraded Ernest Street bridge and Miller Street to Falcon Street cycle route.
• Intentional design treatment to separate parklands from WHT permanent facilities operating nearby and the busy Warringah Freeway.

“While the community has experienced years of disruption from the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade projects, the restoration of this land will help repair and reconnect an area that was once valued green space,” Council said.

How to have your say

Feedback closes at midnight on Friday 25 September. You can read the plan and comment on the Transport for NSW consultation page, or email the project team at [email protected].

Transport is running two information sessions, and both need a booking.

• Online session, Wednesday 9 September, 12pm. RSVP here. It will be recorded and put online 48 hours later.
• In person, Thursday 10 September, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, at the Community Information Centre, Level 9, 60 Miller Street, North Sydney. RSVP here.

There are also three pop-up stalls where you can just turn up.

• Cammeray Golf Club, Park Avenue, Cremorne. Saturday 5 September, 9am to 12pm.
• Cammeray Square shopping centre, Amherst Street, Cammeray. Thursday 17 September, 3pm to 6.30pm.
• Northside Produce Markets, Ted Mack Civic Park, North Sydney. Saturday 19 September, 8am to 12pm.

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