Newsletter 77 – Bradfield Park

Newsletter Number 77– September 2026

Let’s talk about Bradfield Park south

it was described Mr Dunningham – Minister for Labour and Industry told the House on 5 March 1935

In the land under review we have areas the equal of anything in Australia, under the shadow of one of the world’s finest bridges and overlooking one of the most magnificent harbours in the world. It would be a crime to dispose of this land for any purpose other than that to which it is being dedicated for all time – the recreation of the people.

The land was:
• transferred to North Sydney Council upon trust for public parks and for public recreation and for the purposes of public parks and public recreation, and
• named Bradfield Park in honour of the designer of the Harbour Bridge.

Overtime the southern section was developed into a magnificent, grassed area that swept from Fitzroy Street (Kirribilli) to the harbour foreshore.

Back in 1987 one third of Bradfield Park South, the area fronting the harbour, was compulsorily transferred from North Sydney Council to Transport for NSW.

Why?

It was “needed” to facilitate the building and to provide security for the funding of the first cross-harbour tunnel.

It was stipulated that the compulsorily transferred land, the borrowed land, would be transferred back to Council and brought back within the trust in June 2023

What happened in and after June 2023?

Was the borrowed land returned?

No, Transport for NSW turned into a works compound. A works compound with unrivalled views of the harbour and Opera House.

Let’s now talk about the land that was borrowed and not borrowed by Transport for NSW

The other two thirds fronting Fitzroy Street and overlooking the harbour remained with North Sydney Council.

From time-to-time Transport for NSW set up additional works compounds over sections of it.

As to the rest, Council allowed it to fall into rack and ruin.

Mayor Baker said, during a public meeting held on 25 August that money had been set aside. ….

How do we get the borrowed land back?

Now we have the following curios exchange gives an inkling as to the challenges faced; it involves:
• Parliamentary Secretary for Transport,
• North Sydney Council,
• Minister for Roads,
• Minister for Regional Transport,
• NSW Ombudsman, and
• Transport (for NSW) Secretary.

An exchange that suggests North Sydney Council and the State Government live in parallel universes.

What do you make of it?

First, the universe inhabited by the State Government

On 13 May 2026, Marjorie O’Neill MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport advised:

Occupation of this area has been agreed with North Sydney Council and is required to cope with the large-scale activities to maintain the Sydney Harbour Bridge structure.

However, please be assured that options for the Park’s immediate and long-term future and community use are being discussed with North Sydney Council and landowners.

Transport for NSW and the Council are also supportive of restructuring ownership of parcels within the Park to enable the respective agencies to improve their use and stewardship of the park for the overall benefit of the community.

On 25 May 2026 Council resolved:

To seek an urgent meeting with the Minister for Transport to seek and discuss:
(a) the timetable for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to revest the land in Council on trust for public parks and recreation;
(b) the timetable for TfNSW to complete occupation of the park, removal of the works compounds, remediation and rehabilitation of the land;
(c) maintenance arrangements for the Sydney Harbour Bridge that protect Bradfield Park South from damage and public health risk from contamination; and
(d) the significance of the location to the NSW tourism economy and State Government support for implementation of the Bradfield Park Masterplan.

On 17 July 2026 The Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, Minister for Roads, Minister for Regional Transport advised in answer to a question in Parliament:

Transport for NSW continues to work with North Sydney Council on the future management and amenity of Bradfield Park South, including restoration works and ongoing public use of the park.

On 30 July 2026, the Complaints Officer, NSW Ombudsman advised:

Transport and North Sydney Council have been collaboratively exploring options for the future use and improvement of Bradfield Park. Discussions are ongoing, and the proposed approach is currently awaiting the necessary Ministerial and Mayoral endorsements under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

North Sydney Council is aware of, and supportive of Transport’s ongoing occupation of this land
for the purpose of Sydney Harbour Bridge maintenance works.

On 20 August 26, Josh Murray, Transport Secretary advised:
The NSW Government is currently working closely with North Sydney Council to identify a path
forward that best meets the needs of the community while ensuring the ongoing maintenance
requirements of the Sydney Harbour Bridge can be met. We expect to provide a further update to
the community in the near future.

Second, the universe inhabited by North Sydney Council

North Sydney Council reported on 24 August 2026:
The Mayor is seeking a meeting with the Minister for Transport. Council Officers are continuing to advocate to TfNSW to confirm and formalise their approach in relation to the re-vestment of South Bradfield Park to Council.

On 25 August 2026, the Mayor advised a public meeting that:
Despite assertions, Council has never been consulted nor agreed to that occupancy, just in the same way that it was neither consulted nor agreed to the acquisition …

What does our community want and deserve?

At day’s end, is it too much to ask for the Government to simply return the borrowed land?

You can help get it back – attached is a list of people and entities you can write to along with messages that can be delivered.

Ian Mutton
Email:
www.ianmutton.com