From Landfill to Landmark: How Bayside Council’s Barton Park Redevelopment Redefined Risk Management

For decades, Barton Park was little more than a relic of Sydney’s industrial past — a barren 19-hectare stretch of land west of the airport, once a sewage farm, later a sand mine and, most recently, a landfill site.

But today, Barton Park signals urban renewal, sustainability and strategic risk management — qualities that have positioned Bayside Council as a strong contender in CivicRisk Mutual’s Excellence in Risk Management Awards.

Let’s explore how Bayside Council implemented the Barton Park Precinct upgrades.

A Vision for Transformation

Bayside Council’s Barton Park Recreational Precinct Upgrade Project was the council’s largest and most complex undertaking to date. What was once a dilapidated grandstand surrounded by contaminated soil is now a state-of-the-art community recreational hub.

The precinct boasts top-tier sporting facilities, including soccer fields with a 480-seat grandstand, an outdoor gym, basketball and tennis courts and dedicated walking and cycling paths. A 450-space car park, upgraded internal roads, and comprehensive landscaping have further solidified Barton Park as a community asset.

But beyond the visible upgrades, this project’s approach to risk management sets it apart. Using the Bayside Project Management Framework (BPMF), the council navigated environmental, structural and safety risks with precision, ensuring the project’s success and long-term sustainability.

Managing the Risks, Building the Future

From the outset, the project faced considerable challenges. Contaminated asbestos soil, ground instability and the threat of flooding were some of the most urgent obstacles.

Doris Te Awa, Risk and Claims Officer at Bayside Council, notes, “The challenge was a contaminant area that was previously a sewerage farm and landfill site. With sustainability and innovation at the forefront, existing contaminant sources were contained on site and capped with material sourced from nearby excavation sites.”

Bayside Council tackled these risks head-on, managing obstacles like:

• Soil remediation and sustainability: Rather than transporting contaminated soil offsite, which would have been costly and environmentally taxing, the council contained and capped it with Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) from nearby excavation sites. It repurposed mulched vegetation from site clearing activities, reducing waste and enhancing the park’s greenery.

• Geotechnical innovations: The project team deployed High Energy Impact Compaction (HEIC) and geocells under fields and open spaces to address long-term settlement risks. Continuous ground monitoring ensured minimal movement post-construction.

• Flood mitigation: Recognising the risk of overland flooding, the project incorporated detention facilities like bio-retention zones and freshwater ponds, which also serve as vital habitats for local species, including the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frogs.

The council’s planning extended beyond the physical environment. By adhering to Safety by Design or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, Barton Park transformed into a safe and accessible public space. Clear sightlines, well-lit pathways and strategically placed facilities enhance security and encourage community engagement.

Community-Centric Planning

A project of this scale requires collaboration. Bayside Council actively sought community input through the “Have Your Say Bayside” platform, ensuring the design met the needs of residents and sporting groups. The council informed the public with regular updates, underscoring transparency and trust.

The council also worked closely with key stakeholders such as Sydney Airport and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the park’s redevelopment adhered to aviation safety requirements, given its proximity to the airport.

A Model for Future Developments

Barton Park’s transformation is more than just a win for Bayside Council — it’s a model for future urban redevelopment projects. The initiative demonstrates how local governments can balance ambitious development with environmental responsibility and local engagement.

Community feedback has been ultimately positive. “Ratepayer dollars have been put to good use as wasteland has been turned into a fantastic community asset,” Te Awa shares.

 Setting the Standard in Risk Management

By employing a structured project management framework and prioritising sustainability, Bayside Council delivered a project that mitigates risks and transforms them into opportunities.

This approach creates a benchmark for local governments nationwide. As a contender for CivicRisk Mutual’s Excellence in Risk Management Awards, Bayside Council proves that with the right strategy and vision — and a commitment to best practices — even the most challenging redevelopment projects can become community wins.

Barton Park is an excellent example of how risk, when managed effectively, can lead to lasting rewards.