It will create havoc and will rip apart our beautiful park.

I am writing as a concerned resident of Newington NSW 2127 regarding the proposed closure of Pierre de Coubertin Park to allow construction works by Sydney Water.

Pierre de Coubertin Park is not just an open space — it is the heart of our community. Every single day, children (including mine) of all ages use the playground, sports fields, and open areas to play, train, socialise, and develop healthy habits. Families gather there after school and on weekends, sporting teams train regularly, and community connections are strengthened through shared use of this space.

Closing the park for months would have significant negative consequences for Newington:

• Impact on Children’s Physical and Mental Health – The park is a primary outlet for exercise, outdoor play, and social interaction. Removing access for an extended period risks increased sedentary behaviour, reduced physical activity, and negative impacts on mental wellbeing.

• Loss of Community Cohesion – The park acts as a central meeting point for residents. Extended closure would reduce opportunities for neighbourly connection and weaken the strong community spirit that defines Newington.

• Safety Concerns – With limited alternative open spaces nearby, children may resort to playing in streets, car parks, or other unsafe areas.

• Property and Amenity Impact – Prolonged construction works may lead to noise, dust, traffic congestion, and a decline in the overall amenity of the suburb.

• Lack of Accessible Alternatives – Nearby parks do not offer the same facilities or capacity to accommodate the volume of families and sporting groups who depend on this space daily.

We understand that infrastructure upgrades are sometimes necessary. However, we respectfully request that alternatives be considered given the massive impact this project has in the community.

Pierre de Coubertin Park plays a vital role in the development, wellbeing, and social fabric of our suburb. Its prolonged closure would have lasting negative effects that extend far beyond temporary inconvenience.

We respectfully request your urgent attention to this matter and your support in working with Sydney Water to find a solution that protects our community.

Thank you for your time and representation.

I have recently moved into the area and my father has owned property here for decades. One of its only strengths left in this 2026 is its wildlife that can flourish, live and grow here. By ripping into their natural world and their life, you are murdering the animal families that are housed in Meadowbank park and forcing them out elsewhere, a highly unethical and disgusting act which we’ve seen play out in other suburbs. If we don’t have our wildlife, you are essentially destroying the heart of Australia and its culture. Do not rip up this beautiful park and pollute its environment, you are essentially speeding up the time bomb that is environmental destruction at the hand of humans.

I object to the proposal cutting through the suburb of Newington. I get the purpose of this project but cutting into our roads and interrupting our infrastructure for 18 months or more for a project that has little benefit to our suburb is unacceptable. Surely you clever folks can find other options such as drilling under or diverting around?

It will severely impact the liveability of all residents of Newington as this is a park used by all. Besides, significant damage to many public assets (roads, parks, nature strips, footpaths) will result in loss of amenity for all.

As a Newington resident of 13 years, I object to the damage that this project will cause in Newington. The proposal states that “The level of assessment of likely impacts must be proportionate to the significance of, or degree of impact on, the issue, within the context of the project location and the surrounding environment.” Clearly this has been ignored. Please stop and consider the impacts on this Newington.

At the community briefing on 6 March, it is concerning to hear that Sydney Water representatives did not have an understanding of nor answers to many of the concerns raised by residents. This indicates that the planning is flawed and needs to be thoroughly revised before any work begins. All areas of Newington should be excluded from any proposed works required to execute this project.

Hello,
I live in an apartment that directly overlooks the PDC park, and have been made aware of the construction due to take place in the area. I understand these are vital works that must be carried out, however I would like to stress the extremely negative impact this will directly have on my day to day life, as well as that of my neighbours. I urge those involved to please reconsider the sites chosen for this construction.
Thank you

Parramatta River has far less water volume than the ocean, which means lower dilution capacity.
The River is still recovering from historical pollution.
Long term environmental impact remails uncertain.

Meadowbank would suffer the interruption of a rare and important green space due to this project. It's highly important, to the animals and our mental health, to maintain natural spaces in a suburb that is filled with apartments. We cherish walks along the river and green spaces, and it saddens me to see the plans to cut through it and add further infrastructure. Please consider alternatives to Meadowbank. The choice doesn't make sense given the origin and route of the brine. Additionally, the suburb already has significant construction projects that residents contend with, and this just adds another. Please help to keep Meadowbank livable, by choosing an alternative site.

Why does the HDD need to originate from Newington? Why not drill from the SOP car park?

Why do Sydney Water need to take over both Newington parks and disrupt our whole suburb for such a long time?

I object this project at this will not only cut into the surround parks and facilities, but will hinder my access to and from my home. This will block up one of the ways on Clarke Street and also will also hinder my access to shops and the nearby bus stops for an extended period of time.

Please consider moving the proposed pipeline and constructions to the outskirts of Newington or around the boundaries instead, rather than straight through the heart of the suburb. There are less impact areas, such as up along the mainroad, the side of the industrial areas, or around the shops. If there's too much impact to those areas, the impact to the residential areas will be even greater. This does not make sense to send it up the middle of our homes and not only will it impose an impact throughout construction, but also to ongoing maintenance.

PLEASE DO NOT HAVE IT RUN THROUGH THE CURRENT PROPOSED PATH THROUGH NEWINGTON PARK AND STREETS NEAR OUR HOMES.

I believe to occupy the park facility for over 18 months is ridiculous. There will be another options available for the construction work to be done peacefully without disruption to Newington residents. As property prices will be affected.

I am a residents with family living in Newington over 25 years. I am object this decision to close the parks for giving ways to this construction.