(Motion, 30 May 2019, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I move that this House:

(1)Opposes any damage to, or encroachment on, Moore Park as a result of the Sydney Football Stadium redevelopment.

(2)Notes the Government's commitment to invest in public spaces, including Moore Park.

Moore Park is part of Governor Macquarie's 1811 Sydney bequest, which set aside 250 hectares of land for the outdoor recreation needs of present and future Sydney generations. Less than a third of that bequest remains open public land. It is more vital than ever that we protect what is left. The parklands are facing increasing pressures from significant residential growth in surrounding suburbs. The Green Square development will house 60,000 new residents in apartments with no private open space adjacent to the parklands. Waterloo is earmarked for massive redevelopment, including 20 towers of 30 to 40 storeys, plus another 700 apartments near the metro station. The proposal has low levels of green open space, and the space planned will be windy and overshadowed.

Public green space is essential to the health and wellbeing of people in high-density living. People need space for respite and to soak up the sun, go for a walk or run, take their dogs out and have picnics and children's birthday parties. Without public open space densely populated communities become toxic. Green open space and trees improve the city environment, absorbing pollution and reducing flooding. They provide habitat for wildlife, including those that pollinate fauna.