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On 11 February 2026, the NSW Government introduced a Bill to Parliament that would change how Callan Park is governed. Here's what it actually says, what the government says it means, and where the disagreement lies.
What is the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment Bill 2026?
The Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026 was introduced to NSW Parliament by the Minns Labor Government on 11 February 2026. It would update the laws governing Callan Park, Centennial and Moore Park, Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parklands and Fernhill Estate.
The Bill follows a review of the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 by a Joint Select Committee, which made 26 recommendations. This Bill is the government's legislative response to those recommendations. It has not yet passed Parliament.
Image credit: Greater Sydney Parklands
What would the Callan Park Bill change?
Financial sustainability would be added as a formal goal. Previously, the Trust's focus was on managing public parklands. Under the new Bill, generating income to sustain those parks would be explicitly part of the job.
Leasing and licensing powers would be expanded. The Trust would get broader authority to grant leases and licences over parkland, including in circumstances that currently require open tender. Leases of over 10 years could proceed if certain requirements are met.
Community trustee boards would lose their joint decision-making role. Currently, the Trust must exercise certain functions jointly with community boards. Under the new Bill, it must consult and consider their advice, but the final call would rest with the Trust.
A mechanism to transfer certain land would be introduced for the first time. The Bill's explanatory note includes powers to dispose of certain land within the Trust estate, subject to requirements.
What does the government say?
Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully described the reforms as "a package of practical and sensible reforms needed to protect, improve and sustain our much-loved parks for future generations."
The government's press release says the legislation "prevents the sale of any part of the parklands" and frames the leasing changes as enabling practical things like park cafés. Scully said people "should be able to enjoy a flat white and banana bread at the park without always needing to pack a thermos."
Why are community groups concerned?
Callan Park has been protected by its own dedicated law since 2002, created specifically to prevent privatisation and limit development to community and not-for-profit uses.
Greens MP for Balmain Kobi Shetty argues the Bill winds back those protections. She has raised particular concern about the expanded leasing powers and the reduced role of community boards. She has launched a petition calling on Premier Minns to reject the changes.
Community groups also point to the gap between the government's "no sale" assurance and the Bill's inclusion of land transfer powers — and say that needs to be properly explained before the Bill passes.
What happens next?
The Bill is currently before Parliament, having been introduced on 11 February 2026. There is no confirmed debate date, but Parliament is in its Budget Session, which runs from February through to early July.
The Draft Plan of Management for Callan Park, which proposed increased activation including cafés and events, was open for community feedback from 25 September to 29 October 2025. That consultation has now closed.
We'll keep you posted as the Bill progresses.
