Mayor's Community Message

8 April

TG MILLNER

Last week, I told you about Council’s do or die battle to save the precious 6.2ha of active open space at TG Millner fields, which is facing State Government rezoning for an ill-advised low-rise residential complex. Today, I will outline further reasons why this rezoning plan must be opposed. 

Under a proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Council, the developer has offered to provide our community with a significantly reduced park as part of the complex. But it won’t be them that carries the burden of maintaining this park into the future. It will fall squarely on the shoulders of Ryde’s ratepayers. 

The community will be left to fund the ongoing upkeep of a park that has already been reduced in size, while the developer walks away without any long-term responsibility.

The proposed 132 dwellings will do little to alleviate Sydney’s housing crisis, and this park will do even less for the acute shortage of active open space faced by the City of Ryde community as our density and population continue to grow exponentially.

Make your voices heard: click here. l before 5.00pm on Tuesday 21 April to state your objection. Every submission counts.

SWAP ENTRIES OPEN

I’m thrilled to announce that entries for Council’s annual Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP) are now open.

This is a wonderful environmental art competition for people aged 10 and over who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde. 

SWAP aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage positive behaviour change using artworks and design objects made from upcycled waste materials as mediums of communication and the results are always stunning.

For more details on SWAP, click here.

RED SHIELD APPEAL

I’m proud to say that Council is providing a $2,500 donation to the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, which is being held between April-June 2026.

Since its inception in 1965, the Red Shield Appeal has grown into The Salvation Army’s primary fundraising initiative, supporting an extensive range of social and community services across the country, including a significant impact in the City of Ryde. Last year the Red Shield Appeal raised a remarkable $45 million across Australia.

As Mayor, I encourage all residents, community groups, and businesses to get behind the 2026 Red Shield Appeal whether by donating, volunteering or spreading the word.

Sincerely, 
Trenton Brown – Mayor