- Council votes to uphold ban on commercial use of parks
- Cites climate change as major concern for grass damage
Clover Moore’s council has sparked outrage after voting to keep a ban on major events being hosted in public parks to prevent damage to the grass.
The City of Sydney voted on Monday to keep tough restrictions that have been in place for almost three years at council-run parks.
The ban was first introduced in October 2022 after the Night Noodle Markets caused serious damage at Prince Alfred Park.
Only a few one-day events are still permitted, like Christmas concerts, the Yabun Festival and Mardi Gras Fair Day.
Labor Councillor Olly Arkins tried to overturn the ban, asking that Victoria Park be allowed to host up to five events a year instead of the current two.
The attempt was shut down as council offered the extraordinary excuse that ‘climate change is accelerating severe weather patterns’.
‘Increased rainfall in the lead-up to and during outdoor commercial events has resulted in significant damage to large sections of the parks.’
Arkins argued council was not ‘recognising the cultural value for our residents and the benefits for the local economy of these live opportunities’ by enforcing the ban.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore passed restrictions on park bookings in 2022
‘This is about giving people a reason to stay out. We talk a lot about a vibrant 24-hour city, but this is what it actually looks like in practice,’ he said.
Councillor Adam Worling, from Clover Moore’s Council team, claimed public parks shouldn’t be used for commercial events.
He also recalled the significant damage caused by the Night Noodle Markets.
‘I witnessed the calamity of the Night Noodle Markets in 2022,’ he said.
‘[The bump out] was delayed because of the torrential rain. It was a disaster what they did to our park.’
He added the parks are still soaked after months of rain and warned that damage from large crowds could cost up to $250,000 to fix.
Worling suggested events should be held at other areas like Martin Place or the University of Technology Sydney.
He called on the state government to make venues like The Domain and Tumbalong Park cheaper to hire.
Damage from the Night Noodle Markets in 2022 at Prince Alfred Park
Events like Mardi Gras Fair Day and Yabun are exempt from the ban
Worling pointed out Victoria Park once hosted major concerts for The Angels, AC/DC, and Cold Chisel, with a stage built on the roof of the pool.
‘Why do we need to relegate these great days of live music in Sydney to the past, when there are artists and audiences desperate for a stage here and now?’ he said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns supported ending the ban, saying on Tuesday ‘we need to be sensible here’.
City of Sydney Liberal Councillor Lyndon Gannon meanwhile told Daily Mail Australia the state government wasn’t doing enough.
‘Here’s a better idea for the Premier: how about we start using the forecourt of the Opera House more?’ he said.
‘And while we’re at it, remove the ridiculous noise restrictions at the Domain. That’ll bring back vibrancy instantly.’
‘In the past, our local parks have been destroyed by events like the Night Noodle Markets. Residents were furious.’
‘But if an operator comes up with a proven plan that won’t leave the park closed for months, I’m all ears.’
Daily Mail Australia contacted Moore, Arkins and NSW Arts and Night Time Economy minister John Graham for comment.
