A brief history

In September 2015, Council determined Rushcutters Bay Park as the site for a youth recreation area. Seven months later, we held the first public exhibition of the concept plans. In response to community feedback, Council resolved to not progress with this initial concept and instead to develop revised plans for an alternative location within the park.

In February 2018, Council approved a new location for youth recreation area in Rushcutters Bay Park and in July/August 2018 new concept plans were put on public exhibition.

This revised plan provides convenient options for local kids to have fun and places for parents, carers and park users to meet, relax and enjoy the area. The amended concept plans include:

  • a new location away from the harbour foreshore and below the embankment of New South Head Road to minimise noise and retain harbour views
  • a basketball practice area and a series of skate and scooter elements designed for 8-14 year olds
  • landscaping including new trees and garden beds
  • improved seating, shade shelter, bike racks, a water bubbler and waste bins.

The plans do not include floodlighting and no trees will be removed.

On 15 October 2018, Council endorsed the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park concept plan as exhibited, allowing for amendments arising during the detailed design process.

On 25 January 2019, the Heritage Council of NSW advised Council that it will be assessing the heritage significance for the entire Rushcutters Bay Park. An Interim Heritage Order for Rushcutters Bay Park was gazetted.

In June 2020 Rushcutters Bay Park was listed as a heritage item on the State Heritage Register (SHR).

On 1 August 2022 at the Finance Community & Services Committee Meeting Council considered a report and subsequent to this meeting, at the Council Meeting on 22 August 2022 Council resolved as follows:

THAT Council:

A. Notes the further progress of the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park, which includes the preparation of a Conservation Management Strategy for the State Heritage Listed site and a Heritage Impact Statement for the project.

B. Note the minor changes of the design to the Youth Recreation Area recommended by GML Heritage that address heritage impact on the site.

C. Proceed to submit an application for approval under Section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977 (Heritage Act) to undertake the project.

D. Continue with the preparation of the Review of Environmental Factors under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 which would include an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment, if Heritage approval is granted.

Read the meeting agenda and minutes.

Where we are now

To proceed with the project a Section 60 application to Heritage NSW is required and this is currently being prepared. A Review of Environmental Factors and the Aboriginal cultural values assessment is being finalised and will be submitted as part of the S60 application.

Press +Follow at the top of this page to stay updated.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    25 July 2018 Consultation period commences

    Consultation is open for contributions, please complete the survey.

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    31 August 2018 Public consultation period closes

    Contributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The Project team will report back on key outcomes.

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Final report

    Community feedback will be evaluated and reported back to Council.

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Final report submitted to Council's Finance, Community & Services Committee

    The final report was submitted to Woollahra Municipal Council's Finance, Community & Services Committee on Monday 15 October 2018.

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    Finance, Community & Services Committee Resolution

    On 15 October 2018, Woollahra Council's Finance, Community & Services Committee resolved:

    A. THAT Council endorse the Youth Recreation Area at Rushcutters Bay Park concept plan as

    exhibited, allowing for amendments arising during the detailed design process.

    View the full report

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    Council Resolution

    On 15 October 2018, Council’s Finance, Community & Services Committee resolved to appoint a consultant to prepare an environmental assessment -- a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) -- of the Youth Recreation Facility.

  • Timeline item 7 - complete

    Heritage Assessment

    (25 January 2019) The Heritage Council of NSW has advised Council that it will be assessing the heritage significance for the entire Rushcutters Bay Park. An Interim Heritage Order for Rushcutters Bay Park was gazetted.

  • Timeline item 8 - active

    REF in development

    To proceed with the project a Section 60 application to Heritage NSW is required and this is currently being prepared. A Review of Environmental Factors and the Aboriginal cultural values assessment is being finalised and will be submitted as part of the S60 application.

Latest News

FAQs