Council is planning to upgrade the carpark, shared pathway and access road at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary.
The project aims to improve access and accessibility, support community safety and enhance the overall visitor experience at this well-loved reserve.
We're seeking feedback on the proposed concept designelements that can be refined before detailed design, including:
traffic and access arrangements
pedestrian and shared path connections
accessibility features
landscaping and planting opportunities
visitor amenities and wayfinding.
Burnum Burnum Sanctuary has become an increasingly popular destination for families, paddlers, boat users and visitors. The existing unmarked carpark and access arrangements were not designed for the level of use the reserve experiences today.
The proposed design has been developed with careful consideration of the site’s environmental constraints, including nearby mapped coastal wetlands, native vegetation and Casuarina stands.
What does the proposed upgrade include?
Formalising and re-surfacing of the carpark
Clearly marked areas to help separate car and boat/trailer movements
One-way traffic layout to enhance parking flow
Resurfacing of Washington Drive which provides access into the reserve
A new shared pathfrom Menai Road into the reserve, through to Tom Evans field
A drop off parking bay area to improve access and offloading to the reserve
Improved boat launching facilities, including rigging and derigging bays, wash-down facilities and a renewed fish-cleaning table
A new welcoming entrance and park signage
A dedicated path from the carpark to the boat jetty and to the canoe clubhouse
New trees and native planting to help maintain canopy cover and enhance biodiversity
An additional picnic shelter with more accessible features
Drainage improvements to help manage stormwater quality into the river
How will trees in the car park be impacted?
To deliver this access upgrade, trees within the existing carpark footprint will need to be removed.
The health and value of trees in this area have been assessed by a qualified tree management officer to help minimise removals wherever possible. See FAQs for more information.
The current concept design requires the removal of approximately 120 trees within the existing carpark footprint. Most are dead, in poor health or in poor to average condition. New tree planting and canopy replacement will form part of the project.
The concept design includes new suitable species plantings within the carpark footprint, between parking bays, and in the surrounding reserve.
Help us ensure this upgrade makes the area safer, easier to access and better able to support current and future use.
Have your say:
We’re seeking your feedback on the concept design by 23 October 2026:
Online via the survey below
In person at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary on Thursday 15 October from 10am-12.30pm. Drop in anytime. Staff from the project team will also visit the reserve at various other times to inform community and invite feedback.
In writing to 'Infrastructure Project Planning Team, Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499'.
Council is planning to upgrade the carpark, shared pathway and access road at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary.
The project aims to improve access and accessibility, support community safety and enhance the overall visitor experience at this well-loved reserve.
We're seeking feedback on the proposed concept designelements that can be refined before detailed design, including:
traffic and access arrangements
pedestrian and shared path connections
accessibility features
landscaping and planting opportunities
visitor amenities and wayfinding.
Burnum Burnum Sanctuary has become an increasingly popular destination for families, paddlers, boat users and visitors. The existing unmarked carpark and access arrangements were not designed for the level of use the reserve experiences today.
The proposed design has been developed with careful consideration of the site’s environmental constraints, including nearby mapped coastal wetlands, native vegetation and Casuarina stands.
What does the proposed upgrade include?
Formalising and re-surfacing of the carpark
Clearly marked areas to help separate car and boat/trailer movements
One-way traffic layout to enhance parking flow
Resurfacing of Washington Drive which provides access into the reserve
A new shared pathfrom Menai Road into the reserve, through to Tom Evans field
A drop off parking bay area to improve access and offloading to the reserve
Improved boat launching facilities, including rigging and derigging bays, wash-down facilities and a renewed fish-cleaning table
A new welcoming entrance and park signage
A dedicated path from the carpark to the boat jetty and to the canoe clubhouse
New trees and native planting to help maintain canopy cover and enhance biodiversity
An additional picnic shelter with more accessible features
Drainage improvements to help manage stormwater quality into the river
How will trees in the car park be impacted?
To deliver this access upgrade, trees within the existing carpark footprint will need to be removed.
The health and value of trees in this area have been assessed by a qualified tree management officer to help minimise removals wherever possible. See FAQs for more information.
The current concept design requires the removal of approximately 120 trees within the existing carpark footprint. Most are dead, in poor health or in poor to average condition. New tree planting and canopy replacement will form part of the project.
The concept design includes new suitable species plantings within the carpark footprint, between parking bays, and in the surrounding reserve.
Help us ensure this upgrade makes the area safer, easier to access and better able to support current and future use.
Have your say:
We’re seeking your feedback on the concept design by 23 October 2026:
Online via the survey below
In person at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary on Thursday 15 October from 10am-12.30pm. Drop in anytime. Staff from the project team will also visit the reserve at various other times to inform community and invite feedback.
The fly-through video and concept plan are intended to help visualise the proposed upgrade. Some elements, including colours, materials, landscaping and other design features, may change following community feedback and detailed design.
September/October 2026: Concept Design community and stakeholder engagement
Burnum Burnum Carpark and Access Upgrade is currently at this stage
This consultation is open for contributions.
Late 2026: Finalising the design
this is an upcoming stage for Burnum Burnum Carpark and Access Upgrade
Contributions to this consultation are closed for now. All feedback received will be considered as we finalise the car park upgrade design. The project team will report back on key outcomes.
Construction of new car park and access upgrade
this is an upcoming stage for Burnum Burnum Carpark and Access Upgrade
This is an upcoming stage expected to begin in late 2027. We'll keep our community updated on progress and advise on any anticipated construction impacts.
