Surry Hills and other Sydney communities will have fewer opportunities for local festivals and gatherings after authorities reaffirmed their ban on many events in local parks.
Initially made in 2022, this decision has sparked debate about its impact on community spirit and the city’s economic vitality.
Council’s Reasoning and Premier’s Disagreement
Council has stated that the increasing severity of weather events due to climate change, particularly heavy rainfall, has caused significant damage to parklands during and after large outdoor events. They argue this damage disrupts public access and requires costly repairs.
However, NSW Premier Chris Minns has strongly criticised this justification, suggesting it masks Council’s reluctance to host such events and negatively affects efforts to bring life back to Sydney’s centre. He expressed concern that this stance could influence the state government’s willingness to support future parkland expansions proposed by Council.
Community Impact and Economic Concerns
The ban means that many community-focused events, especially those run by smaller organisations that cannot afford larger state-run venues like the Domain, can no longer take place in local parks. Councillor Olly Arkins had attempted to have the Council approve new commercial events in Victoria Park, highlighting the importance of these events for neighbourhood connection and celebrating local culture through music and creativity.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou has warned that this policy harms Sydney’s cultural and economic scene, impacting its reputation as a global city. Event promoter Simon Beckingham shared that recent proposals for music festivals in Victoria Park and Sydney Park in Alexandria were rejected, placing Sydney behind other major international cities in its event offerings.
Chef Luke Mangan, who is trying to establish a new Sydney Food Festival, described the blanket ban as unreasonable and suggested a system where event organisers are responsible for restoring parklands to their original condition.
Council’s Response
A Council spokesperson suggested that the state government should make venues like the Domain and Tumbalong Park more affordable for event organisers. They argued that if these larger spaces were more financially accessible, they would provide more options for live music and other events without the risk of damaging local parks or limiting residents’ access to them.
The ban followed incidents like the Night Noodle Markets in 2022, which left Prince Alfred Park significantly damaged. Certain long-standing community events, like Mardi Gras Fair Day and the Yabun Festival, are exempt from the current restrictions.
Published Date 15-May-2025