Preserving Nature, Building Community
Removal of only Passive Green Space on LPF
This development will eliminate the only passive green space in Lough Playing Fields. The park currently serves a wide range of community users, including walking groups, dog walkers (on and off-leash), picnickers, cricket players, soccer teams, community rugby, sunbathers, bubble soccer and a meeting point for elderly residents etc.
With high-density living on the rise, how can Council justify removing one of the few remaining open green spaces in the area?
Environmental Concerns
How has Council assessed the environmental consequences of concreting and laying bitumen and acrylic on such a large area? Has an environmental impact study been conducted to measure the loss of green space, reduction in carbon sequestration, increased heat island effects, and the environmental cost of materials such as concrete, bitumen, acrylic and other synthetic surfaces?
Given that urbanisation is already a concern, how does Council justify replacing a natural park with a heat-trapping bitumen and acrylic structure.
Stormwater and Drainage
Regarding the loss of green space if the courts proceed has Council conducted a comprehensive stormwater and drainage impact study to assess the risks of increased flooding, not only residential homes along the park itself but also to residents and businesses in Double Bay, which have already suffered significant flood damage in recent months?
Given that Lough Playing Fields functions as a natural water soak area, how does Council plan to prevent additional runoff from such a large hard surface from exacerbating flooding throughout the area?
Photos below and of the most recent flood in LPF on 1/12/24.
Traffic and Parking
Local residents commissioned a 24 page traffic report that concluded in part “The proposed development at Lough Playing Fields raises serious concerns about its adverse impact on local traffic, safety, and the quality of life for residents. The existing road network—including Manning Road, Epping Road, and Suttie Road—is already overburdened with high traffic volumes, congestion, illegal parking, and frequent accidents. Reports of vehicle collisions, damage to property, and even incidents involving injured pets underscore the hazards posed by current conditions.” It also stated that there is inadequate parking infrastructure that “will lead to further bottlenecks, unsafe conditions for pedestrians, and disruptions for residents.” Council itself rejected a DA for a child care centre at 98 Manning Road, Double Bay, on several grounds including the increased saftey concerns around traffic and parking issues the centre would bring.
How does Council intend to address the increased safety risks and traffic disruptions caused by this development?
Photos below are typical of Manning Road traffic and parking issues - note narrow road, parking illegally.
Download an independent traffic report by Sydney Traffic Engineers on the impact of this development..
Acoustic and Light Issues
Local residents commissioned an acoustic report which concluded that the increased intensity of noise pollution from the courts will have a significant impact on the local environment.
With the added factor of floodlighting well into the evening, how does Council intend to mitigate the disturbance to both local residents and native wildlife, particularly the endangered Powerful Owl?
Download an independent acoustic report by Acoustic Logic below.
Courts in and near the LGA
There are at least 30 Mult-purpose Courts, 35 Netball Courts and 9 Basketball Courts in the LGA, or within a 20-minute drive, available to the public. There are many more in private and public school grounds.
The Hakoa Club in Rushcutters Bay are in the process of building:
- 3 more tennis courts,
- 2 more covered Multi-purpose courts,
- as well as pickle and paddleboard courts.
These will be available for public use.
Given the availability of these facilities, is Council justified in ripping up 1250sqm parkland, which cannot be replaced, because some parents have complained that it is too far to drive their children to training!
Opposition
Over 600 households from across the Woollahra LGA have signed a petition opposing this development, many expressing strong concerns about its impact. This petition has not been widely publicised, yet it has already received a significant response.
How does Council intend to ensure that these concerns are genuinely considered in the decision-making process?
People from all over the LGA are opposing this development as shown below.
Multipurpose Court Usage
Is the development of these multipurpose courts intended primarily for commercial use, or are they being designed for the recreational use and benefit of local residents?
How will Council ensure that the courts serve the needs of the community rather than prioritising profit-driven activities?
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