Parks and public spaces management

Unique IDFN-0014Description**This function applies to all Councils***
For Councils other than Sydney City Council, absorbed by the City by 1949, see function FUN 29 for details.

Management and maintenance of public spaces including parks and special precincts (including Martin Place and Circular Quay). This function does not include (but is closely related to) management of sports grounds, playgrounds and associated facilities, which are covered under CF 13.

When the Council was incorporated in 1842, it contained no designated park lands. Acquisition of the major public parks was as follows:

Prince Alfred Park: Council appointed trustees 12 Oct 1869.
Moore Park (Sydney Common): Council appointed trustees 15 Aug 1871.
Belmore Park: Council appointed trustees 1909.
Cook and Phillip Parks: Council appointed trustees 1905
Hyde Park: Council appointed trustees 1905.

Other public spaces managed by the Council include Martin Place (created 1892-1935 by widening and extending Moore Street) and Circular Quay (shared with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and other State government bodies). The creation of Martin Place was undertaken by resumption of the land, demolition of buildings, and financed by a special rate levied on adjoining property owners who stood to benefit from the scheme.

The Capitol Theatre restoration project (completed 1995), and to some extent Council's earlier projects to restore the Queen Victoria Building (reopened 1986) and the Town Hall (restored 1992) can be considered under this functional heading, because to some extent they related to public spaces centred on the buildings themselves. This trend has continued with the restoration of the Customs House being very much connected to the public debate about the future of Circular Quay as a public space.

A more detailed analysis of the acquisition of parks and public spaces by the Council, including those not listed here, was compiled by James Moloney in 1995 and is available at the City of Sydney Archives.CreationThis list contains only a selection of the relevant legislation. A full list is available at the Archives.

Public Parks Act 1854. Provided for appointment of trustees for lands dedicated for public recreation, convenience, health and enjoyment.

Sydney Corporation Act 1902. Council given power to lay out parks.

Hyde, Cook and Phillip Parks Act 1904. Control of parks vested in the Council.

Local Government Act 1919 (applied to Sydney City Council from 1949). Council responsibilities for public reserves not under Trusts.

Local Government Act 1993, Part 2 Division 2. Defines use and management of community land including parks.

For municipalities other than the City of Sydney: Municipalities Act 1867 provided for management of public reserves. Local Government Act 1919. Refer to the function CF 29.

Activity

Management of contracts with private service providers

Public safety

Decorations in streets and public spaces

Care and management of street trees

Management of Neighbourhood Service Centres

Licensing of buskers

Street furniture management, including fruit and news stands

Major public works and infrastructure project management

Heritage planning and preservation

Architectural and engineering design and drafting

Management of parks and reserves

Management of public monuments and artworks

Ordinance and by-law enforcement, abatement of nuisances

Planning for public spaces

Refurbishment and restoration of heritage buildings, structures and sites

Construction and maintenance of buildings and structures

Description

Start date12th October 1869

Identification

Source system ID14

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Parks and public spaces management