In Sydney’s most populated postcode, green space comes at a premium

Sydney Morning Herald

by Anthony Segaert

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In Sydney’s most populated postcode, green space comes at a premium

In Sydney’s most densely populated postcode, a newly completed sports field has sparked tension over who gets to use it. Located in Wentworth Point, the field was built as part of a larger development and intended for public use. However, local schools have been granted exclusive access during school hours, leaving residents and community groups frustrated. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between urban development and public needs, with critics arguing that the field’s public designation is being undermined by its limited availability. The field, situated at 9 Burroway Road, was developed as part of a state-significant project led by Landcom, which bypassed certain local planning controls. While students from nearby schools benefit from having this outdoor space, locals and sports clubs feel excluded. The Wentworth Point Titans Sports Club, among others, has raised concerns that the field’s public purpose is being sidelined, leaving no alternative recreation options for residents. With limited access to other sports facilities in the area, community members argue that they are being short-changed by the arrangement. The controversy has drawn political attention, with local MP Donna Davis highlighting years of delays in delivering public parks and infrastructure for the growing population. Critics claim that past inaction has left the community struggling to meet basic needs. Meanwhile, Landcom maintains that the project is compliant with planning approvals, while the Department of Education has expressed plans to manage the field under a licence agreement. This could potentially allow for some community access outside school hours, but details remain unclear. The situation underscores broader issues faced by rapidly growing urban areas, where public space often takes a backseat to residential and commercial development. Residents in Wentworth Point are left questioning whether their needs will ever be

Verticals

worldaustralia

Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026