Parklands Advisory Committee
New Advisory Committee to Guide Parklands Vision in Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050
Sydney Olympic Park Authority has appointed a new Parklands Advisory Committee to help shape the future of the internationally acclaimed Sydney Olympic Park parklands as part of the precinct's transformation under the Master Plan 2050.
The statutory committee will provide strategic guidance on the integration of the 430-hectare parklands within Sydney Olympic Park's evolution into a thriving urban centre, ensuring green spaces, nature and sustainability remains at the heart of the precinct's future development.
Carla Armanet, CEO of Sydney Olympic Park Authority, said "As we plan for Sydney Olympic Park's next chapter through our Master Plan 2050, the Parklands Advisory Committee will play a crucial role in enhancing our precious green spaces. It’s expertise will help us balance urban growth with the environmental and recreational values that have made Sydney Olympic Park internationally renowned."
The Committee has been reinvigorated as SOPA delivers its vision for the next three decades and will advise on how the parklands can support the Master Plan 2050's objectives, while preserving their essential character and environmental significance.
An open Expressions of Interest process was undertaken in June and July and saw a strong response from the community to fill five of the eight positions on the Advisory Committee, alongside the nominated representatives from the Sydney Olympic Park Authority Board, City of Parramatta Council and Greater Sydney Parklands. The Committee was endorsed by the Minister for Planning and Minister for the Environment in October 2024 and brings together passionate experts and community representatives whose diverse expertise will be vital in realising the Master Plan's ambitions.
"For the first time, we're thrilled to have community representatives on the Parklands Advisory Committee. Their insights and perspectives will be invaluable in ensuring that the parklands continue to be a beloved and accessible space for generations to come.
By involving the community in this process, we're demonstrating our commitment to creating a parklands vision that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone who calls Sydney Olympic Park home," said Sydney Olympic Park board member and Chair of the newly formed Committee, Julie Savet Ward.
Key responsibilities of the Parklands Advisory Committee include:
- Advising on strategies and initiatives to enhance connectivity between parklands and new urban developments at a local and regional level
- Monitoring environmental performance and sustainability initiatives
- Advocating for community needs as Sydney Olympic Park and surrounding suburbs evolve
- Guiding the integration of new recreational and cultural facilities
- Providing input on caring for Country, open space and recreation, conservation activities, heritage management and adaptive re-use, playgrounds, community facilities, policies on licensing and permits and other issues and programs that affect the way people use and enjoy the parklands.
Sydney Olympic Park’s parklands exemplify successful environmental regeneration, having transformed from a degraded industrial site into thriving urban parkland for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Under the guidance of this Advisory Committee, the parklands will continue to evolve while remaining central to Sydney Olympic Park's identity as a sustainable urban centre and Sydney’s beating green heart.
Committee Membership
Chair - Julie Savet Ward - Julie is a professional non-executive director and chairperson with 25 years’ experience on company and project boards in the property, infrastructure and professional services sectors. With over 35 years management experience, Julie has a deep understanding of environmental planning, approvals, sustainability, construction and delivery of projects. She brings commercial acumen, practical governance knowledge, project management experience and a collaborative leadership style.
Charlene Bordley - Charlene brings extensive experience in active recreation and community engagement, having founded Addventageous and developed numerous successful cycling programs across Western Sydney. As the current Chair of City of Parramatta's Active Transport Advisory Committee she offers valuable insights into connecting communities with parklands through sustainable recreation and cultural discovery programs.
Joshua French - Joshua is a horticulturalist and landscape architect with over two decades of experience in urban and landscape design. He has extensive expertise in strategic planning, heritage management, and open space governance. Passionate about creating exceptional public spaces, Joshua is committed to fostering community engagement and delivering outstanding parkland experiences.
Nick Hollo - Nick is an Architect, urban designer and author. He teaches Ecologically Sustainable Architecture Practice at Sydney University. From 2000 – 2015 he worked at the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust where he was a part of the core team that planned, the activation of Cockatoo Island as a recreational destination in the Harbour.
Dr John Hunter – John brings over 20 years of expertise in natural and cultural heritage management to the Parklands Advisory Council, including significant experience in Indigenous land management practices and community engagement. His diverse background spans government and academic roles and leadership in Indigenous health and wellbeing programs.
Dr Joanne Ling – As well as living locally, Joanne brings deep expertise in aquatic ecosystems and wetland assessment to the Parklands Advisory Council, with over 25 years of experience in environmental science and research across government and academic sectors.
Fiona MacColl - Fiona brings strategic insight in public open space planning and sustainable infrastructure development as the Principal Advisor of Infrastructure Strategy, Planning & Delivery at the NSW Office of Sport. With a Master of Planning and Landscape Architecture background, she has led major initiatives in sports infrastructure planning and parklands management, innovatively balancing community needs with environmental sustainability.
David Moutou – David is the Group Manager Social and Community Services at the City of Parramatta Council and has worked for the City of Parramatta since 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, and a Masters of Social Investment from Swinburne University.
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