Use of the Park for Special Events

I don't think that "large special events" can be separated from allowing general commercial activity in some segment of a park. Any large event needs appropriate infrastructure, from adequate parking and/or public transport thru to toilet and first aid facilities, eg access for ambulances.

It is not even realistic to open a park for picnics without making provision for appropriate infrastructure (toilets, garbage collection, etc).

Thus i believe that any plan for "large special events" should be built upon a plan for allowing commercial activities.

If the question relates to principles rather than to practicalities then I can say that I have no objection in principle. National parks are not cemeteries - people should be able to go there in groups to have some fun. Any group, by definition, is not consistent with "tranquil enjoyment".

Obviously "conservation areas" should never be open for entertainment purposes but I assume that these areas would never be in scope anyway.

I believe that large events can benefit the park not only just through revenue but by also allowing people to have a special and private connection with the great parks that we have. However these events have to be sustainable and shouldnt have a negative impact on any of the tranquil environment.

I do not believe National Parks should be used for public events. They are sacrosanct places in general - with the possible exception of a significant cultural event such as a new year's eve event around Sydney Harbour. The whole point of National Parks being protected is that they are allowed to flourish unimpeded, from habitation and occupation by human beings, thus allowing animal, plant and sea life to grow naturally. We are the privileged visitors. Right now Shark Island is a prime example of National Park island being rented out - often every weekend through the warmer months in particular - for private gatherings, with zero feeling for the island itself, the natural flora and fauna nor the surrounding foreshores or its people, all of which is flooded regularly from such parties with ungathered rubbish, particularly plastic, disgarded syringes, bottles, foam cartons and general debris. Not to mention the amazing noise pollution from amplified speakers that is then amplifed by the amphitheatre of Felix Bay itself. By what right does the NPWS rent an entire island for profit when Shark Island belongs to all? And at such a cost? No. National Park spaces should be preserved and protected for all - not hired out every weekend for government profit for the pleasure of a few.

Transport in and out of North Head via Darley Rd Manly should be better managed and coordinated with other landowners on Boxing Day.

I am opposed to the use of Shark Island, Clark Island and other harbour islands for the use of day long dance/rave parties. These functions should be held in an enclosed area or a venue that is not going to have impact on surrounding neighbourhoods. It is not fair that amplified music should be inflicted on yachties, residents and the general public.

These sort of gatherings are not held in any other national park, why should they be allowed on the harbour.

Once upon a time people visited national parks in Sydney to enjoy relatively tranquil activities in a bushland setting. The first national parks were created because of their premium recreational values.

Today, events are a regular occurrence in conjunction with an increasing number of festivals and the needs of the traditional park users seeking tranquil enjoyment have started to become secondary.

Events should be held only if they enhance enjoyment and promote an understanding of the natural and cultural values of the park. It is difficult to justify how a late night alcohol-fuelled party achieves these ends.

Clearly there is a conflict if the park becomes subservient to the needs of the event, or unduly disturbs the amenity of the park or its neighbourhood.

Manly Environment Centre suggestions for Events Management:

NYE, Boxing Day, Special Events held at various sites, Ad Hoc events such as the viewing of arriving or departing ships.

• Access – a template for Traffic Management for events should be developed and be applicable to all stakeholders for any event on North Head. Such a plan must include the following

o a decision or not to ‘park and ride’ from Manly CBD,

o advertised bus plan to include forward and return route, pickup locations, destination, timetable and fare regime

o access to parking sites on North Head irrespective of ownership (This should also included St Pauls College, ICMS and Manly Hospital),

o safety for pedestrians,

o safety for bike riders,

o Traffic management on Darley Rd as well as side streets on the Eastern Hill.

• Public Facilities such as toilets, waste management

• Crowd Control requirements

• Gate closure times advertised.

I would argue that a "special" event within a public park be opened for admission to the public, be a one-off event and NOT be run on an ongoing commercial basis by an operator within the park. New Year's Eve is one such special event. Extended operating hours are permitted but the event, at least in the case of Nielsen Park, appears to be well-managed, safe and controlled. The balance between the park/its neighbors and its visitors appears to be in balance. Given the nature of "special," I wouldn't anticipate many such events.