Carss Park: Plans to allow cars to park on grassland for events, weddings sparks resident turf war

A turf war has broken out over the use of a community park in Sydney’s south after plans were revealed to allow large sections of the grasslands to be used for a “spillover” carpark for events including concerts, markets, weddings and fitness groups.

A turf war has broken out over the use of a community park in Sydney’s south after plans were revealed to allow large sections of the grasslands to be used for a “spillover” carpark for events including concerts, markets, weddings and fitness groups.

A resident-led petition has raised alarm bells over a proposal for Carss Park that would allow upwards of 2000 cars to park on the grasslands for up to 52 events per year.

The land earmarked for carparking covers large sections of the reserve including Carss Park Flats and a foreshore area near Carss Point Baths.

More than 300 people have signed a petition and joined a social media group opposing the plans and multiple residents have written to the local state MP and Premier Chris Minns calling for his support to oppose the plans.

Plans for the site, lodged by marketing agency Milestone on behalf of Georges River Council, stated the use of the site for “public overflow carparking” would facilitate council events at the surrounding parkland including the Greek Summer Festival and the Magic of Christmas Festival which draws crowds of up to 20,000 people.

Residents claim the sections of the public parklands could be turned into a ‘carpark’ during major events.

The carparking plan could also facilitate cultural, corporate and private activities including weddings and fitness activities.

Residents fear the plan could turn large sections of grassland into a “car yard” and leave residents unable to use the parkland for walking.

Peter Tan, who started the petition, fears the plan could also “damage grass” and be detrimental to the environment.

“A few events per year may be fine, but allowing events every weekend will have a big impact on the community,” Mr Tan said.

Sections of Carss Park would be allowed to be used for carparking purposes as part of plans for the site.

Residents signing the petition claim the frequency of events could also hand event organisers a “blank cheque” to use the site as a carpark.

“I go to this park with my son and I want it to be a nice place and not a car park area and a park where 52 festivals per a year will take place,” resident Roksana Ksendzovska said.

“There should not be paid entry events held on community land,” Dianne Lo added.

Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said the development proposal for the site would make it easier for temporary events to be held.

A map detailing areas of Carss Park which could be used for event carparking.

“The key driver for the development application is to facilitate a streamlined approval process for conducting temporary events,” she said.

“At the moment each event needs to go through an individual development application so the proposal is about taking the bureaucracy and red tape out of the process.

“We have no intention of permitting as many as 52 events per year – rather, the application is about simplifying the approval process.”

In a statement, a Milestone Creative spokeswoman said “onsite parking, when available, would be advantageous as it will provide convenience for those who need to drive including those with accessible needs who can park close to the entry point and walk”.

The plans would also address limited parking at the site which has 45 spaces.

The proposal has been lodged with Georges River Council and remains under assessment.