By ANNA USHER

Commercial dog walkers, personal trainers, and wedding parties will be charged to use North Sydney parks after the council switched to a new online booking system to better manage shared public spaces.

From 1 January 2027, tying the knot at Blues Point Reserve will cost $1600 for three hours, plus a $1000 bond, and private school groups will be charged $50 per class, per hour.

Dog walkers and fitness trainers will require a $300 annual permit to use North Sydney parks and reserves.

Council says the new charges will help fund the maintenance and improvement of shared assets.

“In a densely populated area where most people live in medium and high-density housing, our parks and reserves are more than places for recreation. They are shared spaces where people can exercise, relax and connect, and they are an essential part of what makes North Sydney liveable,” Mayor Zoe Baker said.

“As North Sydney grows, every park and reserve becomes more valuable. We need to manage these limited spaces carefully so they remain accessible, welcoming and well maintained for the whole community.”

“The new framework will help us get the balance right between parks being used for business and organised activities and remaining freely available for everyday community use.

“It will also ask those who benefit from organised use of public land to make a fair contribution towards its care.”

North Sydney LGA has some of the lowest levels of public open space per person in metropolitan Sydney.

“The pressure is particularly evident in the Crows Nest and St Leonards precinct, where open space per person is projected to fall from 3.42 square metres in 2024 to 2.85 square metres by 2036,” Council told Mosman Collective.

“By then, around 90% of residents in the precinct are expected to live in medium and high-density housing, making high-quality parks and reserves essential for physical activity, mental wellbeing and social connection.”

The new booking system will provide a simpler, more convenient way for larger groups to check availability, book eligible public open spaces, and receive approval before use.

“It will also give Council better oversight of when and how parks are being used, helping manage competing activities, protect and manage park infrastructure and maintain fair access for the wider community.”

Casual recreation by individuals, families and small groups will remain free.
“People can still meet for a picnic, walk the dog, exercise or spend time outdoors without making a booking or paying a fee,” Mayor Baker said.

Groups of more than 21 people may need to book, depending on the park and activity. Some parks will remain free for informal gatherings of up to 60 people, while commercial activities require Council approval regardless of group size.

For more information about who needs to book, how to use the new system and when fees apply, visit the official WEBSITE.