The New South Wales government has introduced preliminary plans for an innovative public area in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, which will involve reducing the size of a well-known golf course.

With a $50 million investment, the proposal aims to transform Moore Park’s full 18-hole golf course into a sprawling 20-hectare public park. This new space will include a community sports field, along with paths for walking, running, and cycling.

“Creating Moore Park South is about providing a green space for the many current and future residents of one of Australia’s most densely populated areas,” stated Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

Moore Park will retain a golf facility while adding amenities such as a community sports field and trails for walking, running, and cycling, as well as areas for relaxation and picnicking.

Opposing the plan, a coalition of golf organizations—including Moore Park Golf Club, Golf NSW, Golf Australia, and the PGA of Australia—has formed the Moore Park Golf Collective to campaign against the changes.

The collective has put forward an alternative proposal that aims to maintain the 18-hole golf course while still developing a sports and recreation hub.

“Golf NSW believes the proposal provides a win-win solution for the NSW government and a growing Sydney by offering a multitude of recreational activities, whilst continuing to service the massive demand for publicly accessible golf via an 18-hole course,” he said.

Hollywood A-lister Mark Wahlberg also weighed in on the issue during a trip to Sydney, where he urged people to “save Moore Park Golf Club”.

The park aims to create a public space large enough to match the growing rise in population within 5km of the proposed parkland.

The population within five kilometres of the proposed parkland is projected to rise to nearly 790,000 people by 2041.

This would make it one of the most densely populated areas in Australia.

The project is set to begin after the operating license for Moore Park Golf Course expires in June next year.

The park is set to be completed by late 2028.