FAQs
- 65 car parking spots
- dedicated accessible parking spaces
- a drop off/unloading bay (2 spaces)
- 16 dedicated boat trailer spaces with facilities like wash down and rigging/derigging bay
- 1 community bus parking bay
- motorcycle and bicycle parking
- EV charging facilities.
- enhanced active transport links (pedestrian and shared pathways) to encourage walking and cycling from both ends of the reserve – via Bonnet Bay and Woronora.
- overflow parking nearby the carpark entrance on River Road to provide additional capacity for exceptionally busy periods.
- Around 70 of these are dead or in poor health
- The remainder are in poor to average condition
- One tree is considered high value.
- Bush regeneration and native vegetation restoration
- Tree planting and removal of invasive weeds
- Measures to reduce damage caused by informal parking
- Stormwater quality improvements to protect the Woronora River (such as permeable surfaces within the boat parking facility, and stormwater cleansing methods to help filter water from the carpark prior to entering the river).
- car drop‑off bays at the northern end of the carpark
- new welcoming park entry and signage
- a shared path connection, with a separate path leading to the canoe club
- an additional accessible picnic facility.
- Improved car and boat parking layouts that are fit for purpose
- New kerbs and upgraded road/surface treatments
- Clearer line marking and signage
- Dedicated pedestrian and shared pathways
- Accessible parking spaces.
How many car and boat parking spaces will there be when the project is finished?
The existing carpark is informal and unmarked, meaning parking capacity varies significantly depending on how vehicles are parked.
The final design will include sufficient vehicle parking to meet ‘day to day’ parking demand. It provides for:
The design has been developed in alignment with Council’s Parking Strategy. You can learn more about our parking service standards on page 34 of this strategy.
What if this upgrade doesn’t provide enough car and/or boat parking?
Council has undertaken traffic studies to better understand car and boat movements, and parking needs, especially during busy times.
Findings have informed the concept design for the new car park, facilities and access improvements.
The concept design includes:
There is additional parking near Tom Evans Field in Bonnet Bay and the Bonnet Bay boat launching facility nearby also has parking spaces available.
Are any trees being removed?
Yes, to allow for the carpark upgrade and access improvements, trees within the existing carpark footprint will need to be removed.
We’re working hard to balance safer access and parking with the need to protect and improve environmental outcomes.
Impacts on trees have been carefully assessed by a qualified tree management officer to minimise removals wherever possible.
The current design proposes approximately 120 trees to be removed.
Trees are only removed when necessary for safety or where construction would significantly impact their long‑term health.
Protective measures will be in place to safeguard retained trees.
Council’s Tree & Bushland Strategy 2025–2035 requires canopy replacement where canopy is lost. A minimum 1:4 offset planting ratio will be applied, with new trees planted on‑site or nearby.
The concept design includes new suitable species plantings within the carpark footprint, between parking bays, as well as in the surrounding reserve.
Are environmental impacts being considered?
Yes. Environmental studies including geotechnical and tree reports, and environmental effects assessments have informed the project design.
Environmental protection and enhancement are key components of the project.
Some of the planned environmental improvements include:
Will lighting be improved?
Yes. Where practical, lighting upgrades will be installed to improve visibility for pedestrians, carpark users, and boat ramp operations.
Are there any changes planned to the existing playground or canoe club?
The playground and canoe club building are not in scope for this project.
The proposed upgrade seeks to improve access to both facilities through measures including:
The current practice of informal parking on grass within the reserve is not included in the proposed design.
A thorough risk assessment of the current arrangement - of allowing private vehicles to access the reserve - identified several important safety and environmental concerns.
Council acknowledges this decision may impact Canoe Club members convenience and operations. We welcome further ideas for design solutions to improve safe canoe unloading/ loading activities within the current carpark footprint.
The proposed upgrade and concept design is intended to support safer and more convenient access to these well‑used facilities for all.
Will the project improve safety?
Yes. These upgrades are designed to make the reserve safer and easier to navigate for all users.
The project includes several safety improvements, including:
When will the project be completed?
The project is expected to begin construction in late 2027, and be completed by late 2028, subject to weather and site conditions.
Can I still visit the reserve during construction?
Yes. The reserve will remain accessible, although some areas — including the boat ramp and parts of the foreshore — will be temporarily closed.
When construction is underway, visitors will need to use the shared path link near the Tom Evans Field carpark to access Burnum Burnum Sanctuary.
Information will be available via onsite signage and a project webpage during the construction period.
Will public toilets be available during construction?
Yes. The public toilets will remain open during construction.
Access will temporarily change and visitors will need to use the shared path link near the Tom Evans Field carpark.
Updated access information will be available via onsite signage and a project webpage during the construction period.
How is this project funded?
This project is fully funded by Sutherland Shire Council.