It’s An “Eyesore”: NSW Government Petitioned To Vacate Public Land Beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge

A new petition is calling for Transport for NSW to vacate Bradfield Park South, an 18,000 square metre section of public parkland that sits directly beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

According to organisers, the government’s official lease on the area, which was designated for infrastructure work on the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, ended in June 2023, and yet, the harbourside public park remains “fenced” and “degraded”.

“This is far more than a local dispute,” said Kristy Valentine, a spokesperson for the Milsons Point and Kirribilli Precinct Committees. “It is about public access to Sydney’s most iconic landmark, the city’s international reputation, and the impact on local businesses and tourism. 

“This would not be accepted beneath the Eiffel Tower, beside Tower Bridge or at the Golden Gate Bridge. It should not be accepted here.”

Were the park returned to Council and the public, visitors could enjoy unique views of the underbelly of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as panoramic views of both the harbour and the Sydney Opera House.

The Land Beneath The Sydney Harbour Bridge Belongs To The People

The petition, which has amassed over 1,400 signatures and the support of North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker, is calling on Premier Chris Minns to answer a number of questions: On what legal basis is Transport for NSW still occupying this public land? When will it leave? Who will remediate the damage? And when will the park be returned to the people? 

“This is not about protecting a park for a handful of residents,” said Michael Bracka, also representing the Kirribilli and Milsons Point Precinct Committees. “It is about unlocking an extraordinary public asset for everyone, residents, visitors, local businesses and future generations.

“This is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The public deserves access to the land beneath it. They also deserve a straight answer: on what basis is it still being occupied, and exactly when will it be returned?”

The petition comes after North Sydney Council voted 10–0 in May to reconfirm its commitment to revesting all Bradfield Park South land into Council ownership, care, and control. 

Despite seeking an urgent meeting with the Transport Minister, Council’s August 2026 status report remains that its officers continue to press Transport for NSW to confirm and formalise its approach to revesting the land.