You Can Now Have Your Say On Callan Park’s First Draft Plan of Management

The NSW Government has released the first-ever draft Plan of Management for Callan Park, unveiling a ten-year vision to revitalise the historic Inner West green space — and locals are being invited to have their say.

The draft plan, which is now open for community feedback, proposes increasing open space, improving accessibility, and creating new opportunities for community use while protecting the park’s heritage and biodiversity.

Callan Park, home to the Bay Run and the site of a soon-to-be swim spot, is one of Sydney’s largest urban parks. With the population within five kilometres expected to reach 415,000 by 2041, the NSW Government says the park will become increasingly important as a place to gather, relax and play.

The draft Plan of Management was shaped by feedback from more than 2,000 people, community groups and organisations. Priorities for the next decade include:

• Removing dilapidated buildings and unnecessary roads to create more open space

• Restoring heritage items and adapting buildings for new uses

• Improving pedestrian and cyclist safety within the park

• Exploring new opportunities for cafés, events and community activities

• Supporting Aboriginal connection to Country at Callan Point

• Enhancing biodiversity and connecting to surrounding blue-green corridors

A draft Access, Movement and Parking Strategy has also been released alongside the plan. It proposes a one-way vehicular loop road, new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, removal of public vehicle access to the foreshore, and alternative parking areas.

Government: Draft reflects strong community input

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said the draft plan reflects strong community input.

“We’ve taken the feedback of more than 2000 people, organisations and community groups to create a vision for Callan Park which will take the beloved Inner West parkland to the next level,” Scully said.

“The ten-year plan puts a focus on improving accessibility, delivering more quality open space and exploring opportunities for further activation in the park. Callan Park is already a backyard for thousands of people across Sydney and this is an exciting opportunity for the broader community to help us shape its future.”

“The draft Plan of Management lays out a vision for the park based on what the community wants. They told us that improving how people move around, access and park at the park is a priority so the draft access, movement and parking strategy that’s being co-exhibited accelerates this important aspect,” added Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive, Joshua French.

“This is the next, exciting step for the community to have their say on Callan Park’s future so we can continue to nurture this wonderful asset for the people of Sydney.”

Community opposition to changes coming to Callan Park

The release of the draft plan comes after months of heated debate over Callan Park’s future. Local community groups have strongly opposed proposals to install synthetic turf, citing concerns about heritage impacts, environmental damage and heat effects.

Earlier this year, the NSW Heritage Council also raised objections to synthetic turf installation, strengthening residents’ opposition. City Hub has reported extensively on the growing backlash, with campaigners arguing the plans would compromise the park’s character and sustainability.

Controversy has also surrounded proposals to demolish certain buildings within the park to open 1.6 hectares of new green space. While some support the additional open areas, critics warn the approach risks erasing parts of the park’s historic environment.

The draft Callan Park Plan of Management, as well as the draft Access, Movement and Parking Strategy will be on exhibition from 25 September to 29 October 2025.

You can have your say on Callan Park’s draft Plan of Management here.