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Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson promises “high line” for lower north shore.

Published On: February 13, 2023

The lower north shore will get it’s own “high line” in Lavender Bay if the NSW Liberals are re-elected in March.

By ANNA USHER

The lower north shore could have its own celebrated “high line” to rival New York and Paris if the NSW Liberals are re-elected on March 25.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson announced the historic Lavender Bay rail line, stretching from Waverton to Luna Park will be transformed into a 3.3-kilometre public space with sweeping views over Sydney Harbour.

The commitment is in response to a long-running resident campaign to lobby for the conversion.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson made the announcement with Premier Dominic Perrottet on Saturday.

“Sydney is home the world’s most beautiful harbour, but for many years much of the foreshore has been left underutilised or inaccessible to the public,” Premier Perrottet said.

“We have made it a priority to transform our foreshore precincts so that Sydneysiders can make the most of the city they call home.

“The Lavender Bay high line project will unlock another part of our city that has been hidden away for more than a century, transforming it into a beautiful public space and no doubt a tourism drawcard.”

The proposed “high line” will result in a 3.3 kilometre park for public use.

He said the high line project would commence with a 300 square metre expansion of Wendy’s Secret Garden, followed by a strategic business case to canvas options for converting the 3.3-kilometre-long disused rail corridor along the Milsons Point foreshore.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson congratulated the community for their vision and pursuit of the high line, working alongside her to build on the legacy of Wendy Whiteley and the Secret Garden volunteers to expand public space from railway land.

“We get to call the most beautiful harbour in the world home – and our community has championed a transformation that will ensure visitors from across Sydney and the globe get to share in this iconic location,” Ms Wilson said.

“At a time where our cities are growing and more of us are calling apartments home, the shared vision of the Sydney Harbour High Line Association and the NSW Liberals and Nationals will ensure we retain beautiful places with the open space and active transport we need.”

The Lavender Bay high line project would start with a 300 square metre expansion of Wendy’s Secret Garden, Ms Wilson said.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said this commitment to delivering the community’s vision would create a world-class linear park and walking trail linking other public spaces in North Sydney.

“Once fully realised, this vision will result in a 3.3 kilometre linear park connecting some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park while traversing public spaces like Wendy’s Secret Garden, Ball’s Head Reserve and Lavender Bay Parklands,” Mr Stokes said.

“We’ve committed to working with the community, including the Sydney Harbour High Line Association and Wendy’s Secret Garden volunteers to turn the vision into reality, starting with new landscaping, weed eradication and new tree plantings.”

The “high line” will return the Milsons Point foreshore to the local community as a spectacular harbour front attraction.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson applauded the local community for their vision and pursuit of the high line, which will connect “some of the most iconic locations on the lower north shore.”

“I’ve listened to our community, and I know how important it is that we protect our heritage and create more parklands and open space,” she said.

“The Lavender Bay High Line follows the great success of high lines in New York and Paris, and is a creative way to reuse old rail lines.

The New York high line has become an international tourist attraction, visited by thousands of people each year.

Transport for NSW and North Sydney Council will work together to facilitate the use of the Land by Council for community use as public open space and active transport connections.

The Lavender Bay Rail Corridor Delivery Group will include representatives from Council. TAHE, Sydney Trains, Transport for NSW and the Sydney Harbour High Line Association.