Wentworth Park is moving closer to becoming public green space. Years of advocacy by TEC and the community have helped bring forward a major win for Sydney’s future.

For years, Total Environment Centre has campaigned for a simple but important idea: as Sydney grows, we must protect and expand the green spaces that make the city liveable.

Wentworth Park is a powerful example of why this matters.

Located in one of Sydney’s most densely populated areas, the park has long been a critical opportunity to reconnect people with nature, protect public open space and create a healthier urban environment.

Now, after sustained community and environmental advocacy, the transformation of Wentworth Park into public open space will happen sooner than expected, with greyhound racing ending at the site in October 2026.

 For Total Environment Centre, this is an important campaign milestone.

A campaign for a greener Sydney

TEC has consistently advocated for Wentworth Park to remain public land and become part of a wider network of connected green spaces across Sydney.

This work forms part of our Blue-Green Grid campaign, which calls for better protection and connection of parks, waterways and natural areas as the city grows.

A greener Sydney is not just about creating more parks. It is about ensuring that nature is built into the way we plan our cities, helping communities adapt to increasing heat, supporting biodiversity and creating healthier places to live.

The NSW Government’s decision will allow the site to transition sooner towards public open space, with planning and restoration works able to begin earlier.

From community campaign to real change

This outcome reflects the power of community advocacy and collaboration.

TEC worked alongside local community groups, residents and representatives including Balmain MP Kobi Shetty to advocate for the future of Wentworth Park as public green space.

Speaking from the site, TEC Urban Campaigner Saul Deane highlighted the importance of the decision:

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“This adds another stepping stone in creating the Blue-Green Grid that we so desperately need for Sydney, especially as we densify.”

Why Wentworth Park matters

Sydney is facing increasing pressure from population growth, housing demand and climate change.

In areas such as Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont, access to quality public open space is essential. Wentworth Park provides an opportunity to demonstrate how urban renewal can include nature, recreation and community connection.

The future of Wentworth Park shows that protecting green space is possible when communities, campaigners and decision-makers work together.

The next step for Sydney’s Blue-Green Grid

The transformation of Wentworth Park is one important piece of a much bigger vision.

TEC will continue advocating for a Sydney where:

• Green spaces are protected as the city grows
• Parks and waterways are connected
• Communities have access to nature
• Urban planning supports climate resilience and biodiversity

The Blue-Green Grid is about creating a city where people and nature can thrive together.

Wentworth Park is a reminder that long-term campaigning can deliver lasting change.

MEDIA RELATED LINKS

ABC News coverage: Wentworth Park greyhound racing end brought forward as site moves towards public open space
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-23/wentworth-park-greyhound-racing-ends-re-public-space-plans/106948124

ABC News video coverage
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BrLYncMCg/

TEC campaign statement: TEC applauds Wentworth Park returning to public green space
https://www.tec.org.au/tec_applauds_the_minns_government_affirming_the_reunification_of_wentworth_park_public_green_space

Previous TEC article: Sydney Blue-Green Grid major step forward
https://www.tec.org.au/sydney-blue-green-grid-major-step-forward

Blue-Green Grid campaign
https://www.tec.org.au/blue_green_grid