No. Informal gatherings such as birthday parties can continue as normal.
You would only need to book if:
your group is large (more than 21 people), or
you want to reserve a specific space.
Several parks will remain free for informal group gatherings of up to 60, including
Anzac Park
Brennan Park
Green Park
Primrose Park
Milson Park
St Thomas Rest Park
TunksPark (excluding the foreshore)
Warringah Park
Waverton Park.
No. Non-commercial casual activities are not affected by the proposed fees and charges.
We encourage the community to use our parks and open spaces.
No. Small, informal gatherings do not require booking unless:
the group is large (21 people), or
you want a specific area of a park to be reserved.
Generally, groups of more than 21 people in Category 1, 2 & 3 parks are considered large groups.
Other parks remain free for groups of up to 60 people.
You may need to book if you are looking to use a Council park or reserve listed as Category 1, 2 or 3 and:
your group is large (more than 21 people)
you want to reserve a specific area
you are running an organised or structured event
you are a business receiving income from any activity
Reserving a space means setting aside a specific area of a park for exclusive use for a set time.
Yes. It is proposed that some parks remain free for groups of up to 60 people, provided no space is reserved and the gathering remains informal.
Only parks and reserves listed in the categories will be subject to the fees and charges for the Commercial and Group Use of Public Open Space policy.
Yes. Many metropolitan councils already:
require permits or bookings for commercial or organised use of parks
charge fees for businesses and structured events
differentiate between casual community use (free) and exclusive or income‑generating use (charged)
North Sydney’s proposed framework aligns with approaches already in place in neighbouring councils such as Mosman, Inner West, Lane Cove and the City of Sydney.
The fees are draft only and will not be finalised until public feedback is reviewed and endorsed by Council.
The draft fees proposed vary depending on:
group size
activity type
location
As a guide:
small group bookings: around $30–$50
medium groups: around $100–$200
larger groups: up to $500 in higher‑demand parks
For a listing of all proposed fees and charges, please click on the Draft Fees and Charges Schedule in the Documents tool on this page.
Parks are grouped by popularity, demand and site sensitivity.
Higher‑demand parks, such as harbour foreshore locations, have higher proposed fees to help manage impacts and maintain access for the wider community.
Yes. Council welcomes feedback on:
the overall approach
specific fee levels
park groupings
how the proposal may affect you
You can provide feedback:
Online: by completing the online feedback form (see below)
Post: to North Sydney Council, PO Box 12, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059
Please include ‘Fees and charges for Public Open Space’ in the subject line of all email or written feedback.
The full Draft Fees and Charges Schedule is listed in the Council Report and the Draft Fees and Charges Schedule found in the Documents tool on this page.
Yes, this is proposed.
Organised events such as weddings or commitment ceremonies would require a booking, with fees depending on the park and size of the event.
Yes, this is proposed.
Businesses running paid fitness sessions in parks would need:
an annual permit, and
a small per‑session user charge.
Commercial dog walking or training businesses would be required to hold an annual permit.
Yes. Commercial picnic operators would require:
an annual permit, and
a booking for each event.
Regular and programmed use of parks by non‑government educational institutions is proposed to require:
an annual permit, and
a usage fee.
If adopted by Council, the proposed fees and charges would commence from 1 July 2026.
Only activities that require a permit or booking would be subject to enforcement.
Council Rangers may check bookings or permits where required.
Activities that require approval but occur without it may be subject to compliance action, in line with Council policy and legislation.
All feedback received during the exhibition period will be:
reviewed by Council staff, and
reported to the Council for consideration before a final decision is made.
