Green Links Masterplan

A “Green Link” is a linear open space corridor, typically used for recreation and/or active transport (e.g. walking, running, riding) and may sometimes include connectivity with other forms of green transport (e.g. public transport). As the term implies, it is typically a ‘green’ or vegetated corridor.

The term ‘Green Link’ or ‘Greenway’ is used around the world, and while different places all have a local flavour, generally the following elements are included:

• a central feature is an off-road shared path, continuous over several kilometres
• often feature ecological restoration and/or a biodiversity focus, but always feature vegetation
• sometimes follow the routes of other natural or built infrastructure (such as creeklines, rail corridors), or other forms of grey infrastructure (eg. utility services or passages available due to former roadways/transport corridors)
• some emphasise active and passive recreational use
• present an opportunity to escape from urban areas into nature
• strong (inter)connections to local and regional destinations
• they often invite engagement with local culture, and may feature local history, public art or other interpretive elements

Council delivers a wide range of sport and recreation services and natural areas through a network of regional, district, neighbourhood and local open spaces, parklands, sportsgrounds and facilities. While the network has served the community well for many years, Council recognises that within the context of a rapidly growing and changing area, the roles and functions of our parks and facilities need to be reviewed and updated to meet the community's needs. The Green Links Masterplan will identify how these three open space corridors can be upgraded and improved over the next 20 years.

This Masterplan is being prepared in response to the Greater Sydney Commission - Greater Sydney Region Plan – A Metropolis of Three Cities, Greater Sydney Commission - Our Greater Sydney 2056 – North District Plan and City of Ryde - Planning Ryde Local Strategic Planning Statement.

The Greater Sydney Commission - Greater Sydney Region Plan – A Metropolis of Three Cities provides the vision to connect communities and the landscape via a “Green Grid” of parks, open spaces, bushland and walking and cycling paths.  

The Greater Sydney Commission - North District Plan identifies the Eastwood to Macquarie Park Open Space Corridors as a “Priority Corridor” as follows:

“Eastwood to Macquarie Park Open Space Corridors will be extended and enhanced, including Shrimptons Creek, Terrys Creek and the Booth Road-North Road-Welby Street Green Link”.

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has provided Council with a Metropolitan Greenspace Program grant to create Masterplan for these three open space corridors.

Council has received in principal support from Sydney Water and Transport for NSW for inclusion of their lands in the Green Links Masterplan. Council will continue to work in consultation with these agencies.

Note: preliminary route alignment is indicative only. Detailed analysis is yet to be undertaken and may be subject to change.

This corridor will form the link between Macquarie Park and Eastwood and will include the future proofing for green transport connectivity. This Green Link has the potential to be multi-faceted open space corridor for green transport, recreation and blue and green ecology, providing links to local centres, schools and other networks.

The Masterplan will strengthen the connection between Eastwood and Macquarie Park. It will also demonstrate the interconnectivity with the other Green Link corridors and the surrounding context.

This Green Link is named after the County Road corridor, a future road reservation. This corridor will provide a direct link from Macquarie Park to Eastwood.

Click here to view to County Corridor via the online interactive map.

Note: preliminary route alignment is indicative only. Detailed analysis is yet to be undertaken and may be subject to change.

This corridor will form the link between Macquarie Park and West Ryde (with links onwards to Meadowbank). The northern section along Shrimptons Creek has an existing shared path running along it, while the southern part is less well connected. The focus of the Masterplan will be from Kent Rd (Marsfield) to Ryde, including Santa Rosa Park as an important open space. Plans have already been developed for the section north of Kent Rd (North Ryde) to Macquarie Park, which will be included in this Masterplan.

The Shrimptons Creek Green Link will integrate the Sydney Water corridor for open space, recreation and active transport to provide the missing link between Santa Rosa Park and West Ryde.

This Green Link will strengthen the connection between Macquarie Park, West Ryde and onwards to Meadowbank. It will also demonstrate interconnectivity with the Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct, Ryde Central, Ryde River Walk which provides active transport link to Parramatta, the other Green Links corridors and the surrounding context.

This Green Links corridor includes Wilga Park, Elouera Reserve, Quandong Reserve, Booth Reserve, ELS Hall Park, Greenwood Park, Tindarra Reserve, Flinders Park, Santa Rosa Park, Beattie Park and Carara Reserve.

Click here to view the Shrimptons Creek Corridor via the online interactive map.

This corridor will form the connection between Eastwood and Macquarie Park (with links onwards to Epping). Terrys Creek is located between Eastwood and Epping and forms an important and well established ecological and recreation corridor linking to the Lane Cove National Park. Council has recently completed construction of pathways and a new boardwalk. The focus for this link will be on access points (including improved amenity at these points), connections to the surrounding networks, and a future connection between the City of Ryde and Epping in the City of Parramatta local government area (as identified in City of Ryde – Planning Ryde Local Strategic Planning Statement).

The Masterplan will strengthen the connection between Eastwood and Browns Waterhole. It will also demonstrate the interconnectivity with Macquarie Park and the other Green Link corridors.

Terrys Creek forms an important regional biodiversity corridor, connecting to Lane Cove National Park. While recreational paths and boardwalks are provided through this area, the main focus is environmental; to protect and enhance the existing ecology. The existing bushland character of these parks is to be retained. It will include walking paths/track but is not intended to include a cycle path.

Click here to view the Terrys Creek Corridor via the online interactive map.