Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) Introducing Paid Parking

All Mosman Swans players and parents should be aware that paid parking is being introduced by the SHFT on its redeveloped parking areas at Middle Head. This will not affect the undeveloped car park closest to the oval (which is owned by the Navy), but if this is full, the paid parking on the other side of the road must be used, and hefty fines will now apply for parking in non-designated parking areas. SHFT has also indicated that paid parking will be introduced at Georges Heights over the next year or so. The currently announced plans are detailed on the SHFT website. Click here for a map of the proposed parking meters.

So far, Mosman Swans JAFC and other sporting users have not been consulted on these changes, and we are naturally concerned that actions are being taken that impact us without notice, particularly since they were not part of the plan agreed for these facilities when the trust was established in 2001. In general, although sporting users are the biggest single user group for the SHFT lands, there has been relatively little consideration given to sports in the SHFT planning process compared with environmental issues and commercial uses. We have written

to the responsible Minister Peter Garrett, the Health Minister (Nicola Roxon), the Minister for Sport (Kate Ellis) and local Federal Member

Tony Abbott and conveyed our strong objection to the imposition of this tax on our members. We have asked SHFT for a formal

consultation process before any more changes are made that will affect the club, and if / when this occurs will ask for some allowance

for the needs of sporting users including a sporting users permit system to cover the winter and summer seasons.

We appreciate that many club members will be concerned that the previously free access they have had to Middle Head Oval will be

removed over the coming months, and that this may impact on participation and enjoyment of sports. We hope that common sense will prevail, and will provide further information as it becomes available.

Background

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was set up by the Australian Government to plan for the future of former Defence and special Commonwealth lands around Sydney Harbour.

The Trust’s vision is:

"To provide a lasting legacy for the people of Australia by helping to create one of the finest foreshore parks in the world and provide

places that will greatly enrich the cultural life of the city and the nation."

Despite their importance to the Mosman community, Sporting Facilities were the 20th priority in the SHFT plan (out of 24):

"Although in general, there is little need, or justification to develop

new sporting facilities when our priority is to protect, conserve and

interpret the environmental values and heritage values of the Trust

lands and to enhance the amenity of the Sydney Harbour region, the

Trusts’ priority is also to maximise public access to the Trust lands and

to establish and manage parklands."

Parking Legislation

Paid Parking was not envisaged in the original legislation to establish SHFT, or the plan that was developed with public consultation.

The legislation to introduce Paid Parking to SHFT lands was passed on 24th March 2010 by PETER ROBERT GARRETT,

Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts.

Parking charges will be applied from 8 am to 10 pm seven days a week :

Monday to Friday: $3 per hour with a maximum of $16 for all day parking

Sat/Sun/Public Holidays: $4 per hour with a maximum of $20 for all day parking

Club members with further questions or concerns about the impact of paid parking should address them to SHFT by email parking@harbourtrust.gov.au or phone during business hours on 8969 2100.

Petition

We have this week launched a Petition in response to paid parking. We invite all members and interested parties to record their concerns

by way of this document that will be forwarded to Minister Garrett in the coming weeks. Copies of the Petition will be available at

Middle Head Oval on game day. We look forward to your support!