Win for NSW cricket fans at Moore Park

The move will ensure the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), that will host Australian, NSW Blues and Sydney Sixers matches this summer, are accessible to all residents, not just those nearby or those who have easy access to public transport.

The grass at Moore Park East has been used as a game day carpark for a century.

In 2022, the former Government amended the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust Act to include deadlines for the final removal of all on-grass parking near Kippax Lake and at the south of Moore Park East opposite the SCG and Hordern Pavilion.

Work is underway to develop a new carpark that will offset the removal of parking near Kippax Lake.

However, the expected carpark completion date is late 2025, two years after the current 31 December 2023 legislated deadline.

It means thousands of parking spots will disappear without alternative parking arrangements being in place to ensure no overall loss of parking in the precinct.

This significant shortage will disproportionately affect residents who, despite the public transport improvements in the area, will still need to drive to attend events at the SCG and Allianz Stadium.

This is particularly crucial for young families, the elderly, those with accessibility needs and those travelling from western Sydney and regional NSW who require parking options to get to Moore Park.

The NSW Government will bring legislative amendments that will extend the operation of Lower Kippax until the Venues NSW carpark is completed, and until a solution to offset the parking at Showground is established.

The financial impact of not having a viable parking solution is significant.

Venues NSW has estimated an $18 million dollar revenue loss, with the local visitor economy set to lose $30 million across 66 event days per year.

650 spaces have already been removed from the grass opposite Allianz Stadium on the corner of Moore Park Road and Anzac Parade known as Upper Kippax. The next – 350 spaces opposite Allianz Stadium known as Lower Kippax are slated to be removed on 31 December 2023. 1100 spaces opposite the SCG known as Showground Field will be gone from 31 December 2025.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said: “Moore Park has been used for parking for decades. But it doesn’t make sense to shut off access to thousands of parking spaces before the new carpark is complete.

“This is about ensuring people who travel from Western Sydney or around the state for sports and entertainment at Moore Park have equal access to parking.

“These public facilities need to be accessible to all residents, not just those nearby or those who have easy access to public transport.”

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon applauded the Government’s move.

“We are very supportive of this announcement and the benefits that it will provide attendees at our matches for NSW and the Sydney Sixers, along with the traditional Pink Test in January,” Germon said.

“We have fans that travel from all over Sydney, as well as regional areas throughout the state to watch our great game and for some driving and parking is the best option, or even the only option.

“If these on-grass parking spots are to be removed it is imperative that parking options of even or greater capacity are in place.

“I urge all Members of Parliament to support these much-needed legislative changes when they come before the Parliament.”