Planning the future of Paringa Reserve

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Paringa Reserve is a long, narrow space that wraps around Sommerville Point with fantastic views of the harbour. We’re working to maintain and improve the waterfront experience for future generations.

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A Plan of Management guides how Council looks after the space for the next ten years. In late 2020, the community provided feedback on initial proposals.

We heard what you said and revised the proposals
Changes include:

  • Revisited the new kiosk design to show a two stage roll out of paving across the forecourt and increase of public open space. After removing the existing building, this will create more open space and local job opportunities
  • Moved the seats back to behind the pathway
  • Removed the proposed fitness equipment
  • Removed path lighting to avoid impact on residents
  • Added even more trees to improve shade
  • Added tangle bins to dispose of fishhooks
  • Added requirements for environmental and social responsibility criteria to the kiosk operator contracts. This will protect local wildlife, waterways and create local jobs at the kiosk

Proposals that remain unchanged include:

  • Provide a new customised container-style kiosk
  • Fully accessible toilet
  • A fully accessible path from the wharf along the foreshore
  • Clear and consistent signage
  • Natural heritage information
  • Establish a cohesive landscape and furniture strategy to allow for smaller gatherings, picnics, relaxation, and peaceful recreation
  • A water bubbler
  • Repairs to existing fencing
  • Investigate new stairs to Lockhardt Avenue that will connect the new accessibly pathway to Lockhart/Phoebe Street


Did we get it right? - have your say

Share your views to staff at Paringa Reserve on Saturday, 5 June 2021 from 11am to 12:30pm.

Cannot make it? Provide feedback:

  • Online via the feedback form or request a paper copy
  • Call us via a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service. Ask them to call us Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm on 9392 5636.
    • For a free interpreter call via TIS National on 131 450
    • For voice relay call 1300 555 727
    • TTY call 133 677
    • SMS relay call 0423 677 767
  • Email: subject line ‘Paringa Reserve feedback’ to Mandy.Smith@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Final day for comments is Wednesday, 23 June 2021.

What happens next?
Council will take your views into account and include them in the final plan where possible. We’ll keep you updated via yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au and information in the reserve.

What happens next?

Council will take your views into account and include them in the final plan where possible. We’ll keep this page updated and email all participants who provided feedback throughout the project.

Paringa Reserve is a long, narrow space that wraps around Sommerville Point with fantastic views of the harbour. We’re working to maintain and improve the waterfront experience for future generations.

alt=""


A Plan of Management guides how Council looks after the space for the next ten years. In late 2020, the community provided feedback on initial proposals.

We heard what you said and revised the proposals
Changes include:

  • Revisited the new kiosk design to show a two stage roll out of paving across the forecourt and increase of public open space. After removing the existing building, this will create more open space and local job opportunities
  • Moved the seats back to behind the pathway
  • Removed the proposed fitness equipment
  • Removed path lighting to avoid impact on residents
  • Added even more trees to improve shade
  • Added tangle bins to dispose of fishhooks
  • Added requirements for environmental and social responsibility criteria to the kiosk operator contracts. This will protect local wildlife, waterways and create local jobs at the kiosk

Proposals that remain unchanged include:

  • Provide a new customised container-style kiosk
  • Fully accessible toilet
  • A fully accessible path from the wharf along the foreshore
  • Clear and consistent signage
  • Natural heritage information
  • Establish a cohesive landscape and furniture strategy to allow for smaller gatherings, picnics, relaxation, and peaceful recreation
  • A water bubbler
  • Repairs to existing fencing
  • Investigate new stairs to Lockhardt Avenue that will connect the new accessibly pathway to Lockhart/Phoebe Street


Did we get it right? - have your say

Share your views to staff at Paringa Reserve on Saturday, 5 June 2021 from 11am to 12:30pm.

Cannot make it? Provide feedback:

  • Online via the feedback form or request a paper copy
  • Call us via a FREE Interpreter or the National Relay Service. Ask them to call us Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm on 9392 5636.
    • For a free interpreter call via TIS National on 131 450
    • For voice relay call 1300 555 727
    • TTY call 133 677
    • SMS relay call 0423 677 767
  • Email: subject line ‘Paringa Reserve feedback’ to Mandy.Smith@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Final day for comments is Wednesday, 23 June 2021.

What happens next?
Council will take your views into account and include them in the final plan where possible. We’ll keep you updated via yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au and information in the reserve.

What happens next?

Council will take your views into account and include them in the final plan where possible. We’ll keep this page updated and email all participants who provided feedback throughout the project.

  • What the community said about the revised proposals

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    Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the revised proposals. We heard from 34 residents in total, including talking to people in the Reserve and online feedback.

    The customised container kiosk is the main point of contention. Those who support the kiosk believe it will be a positive contribution to the reserve with social outcomes for residents and commuters if the ferry service is resumed. Those who do not support the kiosk question it’s viability in this location and adverse social and aesthetic impacts on the Reserve. Some participants advocated for a shade structure/rotunda to be considered, giving Council the opportunity to validate demand for a kiosk without the upfront expense.

    Other top concerns were connections via the proposed stairway to Lockhardt Avenue and parking/traffic control. Residents shared an alternative for stair access to the road via private property and advocated for a revision of the turning circle and a resident parking scheme.

    For more information, read the full Engagement Outcomes Report.

    We anticipate this will be discussed at a Council meeting in August 2021. Agendas and the live stream are available on our website.

  • Project deferred by Council

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    At it's meeting on Tuesday, 13 April Council decided to defer this project for further engagement and consideration at the June 2021 meeting.

    You can read the minutes on Council's website.

  • Project progresses

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    Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. You can read what we heard in the Engagement Outcomes Report.

    This project will be discussed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday, 13 April 2021. To view the agenda or register to speak visit the Council Meetings webpage.