Golfing alliance reveals counter proposal for Sydney’s Moore Park

An alliance of golf organisations has revealed an alternative plan for central Sydney's Moore Park course, after the NSW government announced plans last year to halve it to a nine-hole course, and convert 20 hectares to public park.

The NSW government says nearly 700,000 people live within five km of Centennial Parklands, most in high-rise apartments with little green space. The government proposal would turn over 20 hectares – nine holes of golf – to public parklands by mid-2026.

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The move has been resisted by golfers and an alliance of industry bodies – Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, Golf NSW and Moore Park golf club – has responded with its own plan to convert what it says is under-utilised land at the northern end of the course, while retaining 18 golf holes for competition.

The golfing alliance plan includes a green-roofed 500-space multi-storey car park, BMX track, dog park, skate park, basketball and futsal courts, an adventure playground and three km of walking and running trails.

Jared Kendler, the leader of Save Moore Park Golf said the alternative proposal aligned with the government's vision to make Moore Park more accessible for more people.

"By enhancing existing infrastructure and revitalising unused and under-utilised areas, the initiative aims to create a park that caters to diverse recreational interests in a financially sustainable way that solves the many challenges in the broader precinct," Kendler said.

"This exciting master plan delivers a minimum of 15 hectares of quality and connected recreational space for play, exploration, relaxing, walking and sports activities for people of all ages and as such is a win-win-win for the government, the people of Sydney and the visitor economy."

The golf course would be shortened to a par 68, but remain an 18-hole course, allowing competitions to continue. There would also be a mini golf-course, practice putting green and chipping area, and a shortened driving range.

Announcing the government's plan last year , premier Chris Minns said increasing density and apartment living in the suburbs of Green Square, Redfern, Zetland and Waterloo needed to be balanced by more publicly accessible green spaces.

He said the proposal to turn part of the golf course over to public parklands "is a good decision when you consider the very limited options when it comes to open space in our community".

Sydney mayor Clover Moore said the area had undergone significant urban renewal since the golf course was established on largely industrial land in 1919.

"It is really about the use of public land ... into the future," Moore said. "People that do the high density [living] really do need access to public parkland."