A major victory for grassroots campaigners in Sydney has brought joy and relief, but the battle to protect Woolwich Marina and its surrounding natural spaces is far from over. The proposed expansion, a multi-million-dollar project, faced strong opposition from locals who feared its impact on the nearby Kelly's Bush Park, a state heritage-listed area.
The legal challenge, led by Micheal Fountain Architects, took Hunter's Hill Council to the Land and Environment Court. Two local groups, Friends of Kelly's Bush and The Hunters Hill Trust, argued passionately against the expansion, highlighting its potential harm to the native bush park and the stunning views from Kelly's Bush.
Justice Richard Beasley's decision to dismiss the appeal was a significant win for the environment and the community. He recognized that a bustling marina filled with large boats would be incompatible with the serene beauty of a natural bush park and would significantly diminish the scenic views.
However, the celebration is tempered by the council's ongoing struggle to recover over $370,000 in legal costs, forcing them to turn to crowdfunding. Local group Save Our Shores is urging the state government to take a more active role, fearing that the developer might appeal or submit another development application.
"This area is cherished for its green open spaces and the iconic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge," says Beverley Bennett, spokesperson for Save Our Shores. "The Battlers for Kelly's Bush fought hard to preserve this piece of Sydney's history, and it's a space that belongs to everyone, not just those with yachts moored in such a spectacular location."
The history of Kelly's Bush dates back to 1971 when a group of determined women successfully lobbied to protect the last parcel of natural bushland on the lower Parramatta River. Their campaign sparked the first Green Bans movement, a powerful alliance of trade unionists and environmentalists dedicated to defending public open spaces and preventing socially undesirable development.
Maureen Flowers, secretary of Friends of Kelly's Bush, describes the recent legal battle as an "unfortunate" and "unnecessary" second fight for Kelly's Bush. "We believed that heritage protection would be enough to safeguard this area, but it seems that money holds more power in this town," she says.
Hunter's Hill Council, through its general manager Nick Tobin, has vowed to "defend its stance" if the applicant decides to appeal. Tobin emphasizes that any new development application will be thoroughly assessed by the council and the planning panel based on its merits.
"This decision is a positive step for the local community and the council," Tobin adds. "The judge's recognition of the visual and heritage impacts underscores our commitment to protecting open spaces and heritage, a value shared by the local community as seen through the Friends of Kelly's Bush movement. We welcome any support from the government in these endeavors."
Save Our Shores argues that community groups and a small local council should not bear the financial burden of fighting to protect public spaces. They call on the NSW Minister for Planning, Paul Scully, and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Penny Sharpe, to take a more proactive role in safeguarding Kelly's Bush and the foreshore heritage.
The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure has stated that the development for the marina expansion was refused in 2024 by the independent Sydney North Planning Panel. A spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water noted that there have been no applications to amend the boundaries of Kelly's Bush Park on the State Heritage Listing area, which currently extends to the waterfront.
But here's where it gets controversial: while the court decision and the planning panel's refusal provide a temporary reprieve, the future of Kelly's Bush and its surrounding areas remains uncertain. The developer could still appeal or submit a new development application, and the battle to protect this precious natural space might continue.
And this is the part most people miss: the power of grassroots campaigns and community advocacy. The success of the Friends of Kelly's Bush and Save Our Shores demonstrates the impact ordinary citizens can have when they come together to protect their environment and heritage.
So, what do you think? Is this a clear-cut victory for the environment, or is there still a long road ahead to ensure the protection of Kelly's Bush and its unique natural beauty? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
