Wollongong City Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s release of a finalised master plan for the Warrawong Parklands redevelopment.
The plan reimagines the 32-hectare parkland to turn it into an iconic outdoor destination to cater for all ages and abilities.
Key features of the plan include:
- nearly 10 kilometres of new, accessible pedestrian and cycle paths and walking trails;
- a 320-metre wetland boardwalk, with panoramic views connecting the east and west side of the parkland;
- an Olympic-standard skatepark, upgraded sports field, new inclusive playgrounds, and dedicated nature-play areas;
- improved lake access with steps for casual fishing;
- flexible spaces for community events, outdoor performances, and lakeside dining;
- a strong focus on preserving natural features and restoring the wetland environment and biodiversity;
- a new accessible paddle board and kayak launch pontoon which following feedback will be closer to the playground, instead of near the cadet unit and rowing club.
The plan is contingent on the passage of The Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026, which is currently before State Parliament. The legislation protects parklands, preventing the sale of any part of the parklands while unlocking their potential and supporting their long-term financial sustainability.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said the plan had been guided by a deep understanding of the area’s environmental, cultural, and community values.
“For too long, this prime 32-hectare parkland has lacked the attention and investment it and the surrounding community deserves,” said Mr Scully.
“This Master Plan unlocks its potential delivering a world class park with an Olympic standard skatepark, more than 10 kilometres of new pathways and improved lake access for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and more.
“Warrawong Parklands is set to become one of the great public spaces in the state.”
The development of the Warrawong Master Plan has been overseen by a Working Group led by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, which included community representatives, Wollongong City Council, the Local Aboriginal Land Council and Destination Wollongong.
As a key stakeholder in this space, City of Wollongong Council says it supports the master plan’s intention to protect and rehabilitate the estuarine and riparian vegetation, and improve the area’s recreation and amenity while promoting its cultural heritage.
“The Warrawong Parklands site is an important one for our community and has, to date, been an underutilised open space in our city,’’ said Lord Mayor, Tania Brown.
“We recognise there are significant opportunities to see this land enjoyed for recreational and social purposes and that this needs to be balanced with preserving and protecting its natural areas, vital ecosystems and its cultural significance.
“I’m looking forward to digging into the detail of this Masterplan and see how the NSW Government are looking to enhance this beautiful space into the future.’’
Council General Manager, Greg Doyle said Council provided a submission to the NSW Government during the consultation phase, which indicated its support of the document’s intention to preserve the environment and recognise its cultural importance while opening the area up to increased community use.
“There is no question that there are spaces within the Parklands site that offer significant opportunities to encourage recreational and social activities,’’ Mr Doyle said.
“However, there are also key challenges in this area including managing foreshore and bank erosion and sedimentation and we’re keen to see the NSW Government’s progression on the management of these important and challenging issues.
“We certainly welcome the launch of the Masterplan today, and look forward to Council playing a key role in the more detailed planning for projects within the Masterplan.’’
View the master plan details on the NSW Government’s Planning Portal.
