FAQs

The Cronulla Foreshore Master Plan is a long-term plan that sets the direction for future design, investment and management of the foreshore over the next 30 years.

The master plan will:

• provide a clear, coordinated roadmap for how the foreshore will evolve over time
• give the community a clear picture of the long-term future of the foreshore walk, parks and public spaces, including a staged program of foreshore improvement works.
• identify priorities to strengthen coastal protection, including upgrades to seawalls and key coastal infrastructure
• improve access and accessibility along the foreshore through better pathways, connections and lighting
• support active transport by improving walking, cycling and public transport connections
• guide upgrades to public spaces, facilities and infrastructure.

The Master plan covers approximately 7.4km of coastline from Don Lucas Reserve to Tonkin Park. It focuses on the public space and facilities along the foreshore including beaches, parks, open spaces and the foreshore walk as well as connections to the Cronulla town centre.

To help structure planning and engagement, the foreshore is considered across five precincts:

1. Surf Beaches
2. City Beaches
3. Clifftop Walk
4. Headland Walk
5. Gunnamatta Bay Walk

Cronulla’s foreshore is one of Sutherland Shire’s most valued public places. It is used by locals, visitors, businesses, families, swimmers, walkers, surfers and community groups. 

The master plan provides a coordinated, long-term approach to planning and managing the Cronulla foreshore. It will help guide future investment, respond to changing community needs and coastal conditions, and ensure the foreshore continues to be enjoyed over time.

The Master plan will be developed throughout 2026.

Round one community engagement will take place in May-June 2026.

A draft master plan will be publicly exhibited in late 2026, providing a further opportunity for the community to have their say. The final master plan is expected to be completed in early 2027.

The master plan does not rezone land, change planning controls or approve development. It sets a long-term direction and helps prioritise future changes, improvements and investment over time.

The master plan will support a wide range of activities and experiences across the foreshore for people of all ages and abilities. It will build on existing work, including the Bate Bay Coastal Management Program (CMP), to enhance recreation, access and enjoyment - while balancing environmental protection and managing future demand.

The master plan will build on existing coastal and environmental studies to:

• protect and enhance natural areas and biodiversity
• respond to coastal hazards and climate change
• improve water quality and environmental performance
• support sustainable design and management

The master plan will build on existing management plans and current site master plans. It will identify opportunities to improve parks over time, while ensuring they continue to meet community needs and reflect the character of each location. You can read more about other Council’s master plans and Plans of Management here.  

There are several projects happening in Cronulla. Each project has its own focus, timing and decision pathway.

Council is working to coordinate information so people can understand what each project is about, how they relate to each other, and where to provide feedback.

The Cronulla Place Plan will focus on the town centre, land use and broader urban outcomes.

The master plan will look at the public spaces, facilities and infrastructure along the foreshore and how they work together, setting clear priorities for future upgrades and investment.

The two projects work alongside each other and will help inform a more coordinated outcome.

Community consultation for the Cronulla Place Plan is also now open for feedback. You can have your say on this project here.

The master plan builds on the Bate Bay Coastal Management Program (CMP).<link>

The CMP provides technical recommendations for coastal protection, access and environmental management. The master plan uses this evidence to guide how the foreshore will be designed, used and experienced over time. The master plan area also extends beyond the CMP to include Gunnamatta Bay.

No. Approved and funded projects such as the Shelly Beach and Oak Park pavilion upgrades, the Shelly Park playground upgrade, Gunnamatta Pavilion and playground upgrade and other improvements will continue as planned. The master plan focuses on the long-term vision and future priorities beyond these projects.

Yes. The master plan will look at how people move to, from and around the foreshore, and where access feels difficult, unsafe or disconnected today. 

The master plan will explore opportunities to improve access and connectivity across the foreshore.  This includes things like walking and cycling links, connections to public transport, access between key destinations, wayfinding, and how pathways, crossings and public spaces connect across the broader foreshore.

We know parking is an important issue for many people who visit, work in or live near the foreshore. Community feedback will help us understand current pressure points, including where parking feels limited, difficult or impacts access.

You can provide feedback in a number of ways:

• complete the online survey or interactive map
• attend a pop-up information session
• email IPPTeam@ssc.nsw.gov.au
• Write to us at ‘Infrastructure Planning & Design, Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499.

Your feedback will help identify priorities, challenges and opportunities across the foreshore. It will directly inform the development of the draft master plan, which will be shared for further community feedback once prepared.

The master plan will consider a range of community and stakeholder views alongside technical advice and existing strategies. It will aim to find a balanced approach that supports how the foreshore works now while planning for future use.

Feedback from this stage will be reviewed alongside technical work and existing plans to help develop options for the foreshore. There will be further opportunities to review and comment as the master plan takes shape.

The master plan sets a long-term direction. Some improvements may follow in the shorter term, while others will be delivered over time as priorities and funding are confirmed.

Yes. This is the first step. There will be further opportunities to have your say when the draft master plan placed on public exhibition. We will keep you updated as the project progresses.