North Sydney Council Refutes State Government Claims of Consultation on Future of Cammeray Golf Course
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On Friday February 6 the Minns Labor Government announced its intention to secure the future of golf at Cammeray Golf Course where Golf has been played for 120 years.
''The current lease on the golf course is due to expire in May 2026 and the Government is moving to give certainty to golfers as well as all other users of the park that sporting uses will continue into the future'' a government issued press release states
'The Minns Labor Government is in discussions with Golf NSW, North Sydney Council, Cammeray Golf Club and other stakeholders in relation to the future management of the golf course.'
'Cammeray Golf Course is part of the wider Cammeray Park reserve which has hosted golf since 1906. It provides the community with a public and affordable 9-hole par 3 course for people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners and juniors to high performance players.
Cammeray Park is also home to tennis courts, croquet lawns, a skate plaza, soccer and rugby matches, and community events.
The Minns Labor Government continues to support Golf at all levels. Today’s announcement follows previous support delivered through the Organisational Support and Level the Playing Field Program to increase Golf participation, as well as Destination NSW sponsorship of more than 54 Golf tournaments over 2024-26.' the release states
Minister for Lands and Property and Sport Steve Kamper said:
“Cammeray Golf Course has been part of Sydney’s sporting fabric for more than a century, and we want to secure its future for generations to come.
“The NSW Government is looking to ensure access to golf in the heart of the North Shore to support community recreation and wellbeing.
“We’re proud to back golf as a sport that brings people together and supports local jobs.”
Golf NSW Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fraser said:
“Golf NSW is thrilled Minister Kamper and the NSW Government are providing certainty for golf and golfers at Cammeray Golf Course.
“Cammeray Golf Course is a unique public facility, welcoming everyone from beginners and juniors to elite players, so we whole heartedly support these moves to ensure its’ long-term future.”
However, on the same day North Sydney Council issued a media release which said 'The Minister’s media release states that the NSW Government is “in discussions with North Sydney Council.” This statement is incorrect.'
'North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker has written to the Minister on no fewer than eight occasions since late 2022 outlining Council’s position on Cammeray Park and requesting a meeting. Not once has Council been granted that opportunity. In contrast, Golf NSW has met with the Minister on five occasions since 2023.
Council received correspondence late yesterday advising of the Minister’s position and allowing just 14 days for Council to respond.' the release states
Mayor Baker said the correspondence wrongly assumes that Council intends to prevent golf from continuing at Cammeray Park.
“The letter suggests Council does not intend to allow golf to continue at Cammeray Park and relies on Council’s Open Space and Recreation Strategy to justify that claim. This is simply not true,” Mayor Baker said.
“Neither the Open Space and Recreation Strategy nor the supporting Needs Study proposes an end to golf at Cammeray Park.”
Mayor Baker said the correspondence misrepresents Council’s adopted strategy, fails to acknowledge the significant pressures facing North Sydney, and overlooks Council’s clear commitment to engage constructively with all stakeholders about the future of public land.
In response to an undersupply of open space and increasing housing and population pressures, Council undertook extensive research and community engagement in 2025 to inform a new Open Space and Recreation Strategy. The Strategy is designed to maintain liveability in a highly constrained urban environment.
“With land values in North Sydney among the highest in the country, ratepayers simply cannot afford to purchase new open space,” Mayor Baker said.
“This means Council must carefully manage and review all existing public land to ensure it meets the evolving needs of the whole community.”
Mayor Baker said the proposed use of Ministerial powers to permanently quarantine Cammeray Golf Course for a single user group is short-sighted and contrary to good public land management.
“Council is the most appropriate authority to care for, control and manage this land on behalf of the community.
“It may be suitable for nine holes of par-three golf today, but that may not be the case forever - even golf is evolving.”
'Awarding care, control and management of the site to Golf NSW would effectively privatise green space that should always remain publicly accessible.' the council release states
Mayor Baker said: “Council has consistently committed to working with all stakeholders, including the golfing community, to determine if and when change is required — through genuine consultation with the community.
“Handing control of this land to Golf NSW removes that ability and is not in the best interests of North Sydney residents.”
In December 2025, North Sydney Council resolved to extend the existing lease of Cammeray Golf Course until 30 September 2029 to allow sufficient time for meaningful community and stakeholder engagement on the site’s future, the council says.
'Council is calling on the Minister to reconsider his position and recognise the importance of publicly accessible open space in a rapidly growing urban area.'
“I urge the Minister to reconsider this proposal in the broader context of housing growth and liveability for North Sydney,” Mayor Baker said.
“If green space matters to you, I encourage the community to make their views known and stand with Council in ensuring Cammeray Parklands remain public, accessible and managed in the interests of the whole community.”
The Council advised, as part of its statement, that the Minister can be reached at office@kamper.minister.nsw.gov.au.