Current issues in the park
Currently the Parklands is experiencing a record-breaking rainfall event associated with the La Niña weather pattern. The Parklands has recorded 1,333 mm of rainfall this year which is 112 % of the average annual rainfall in the first 14 weeks of 2022. In March alone over 582 mm has fallen in Centennial Park.
The rainfall event, combined with the La Nina weather pattern, is contributing to
significant issues in the Parklands including:
- excessive growth of grassed areas
- extended closures of sporting fields
- significant flooding of formal garden areas with damage to plant collections
- erosion of sandy areas
- 10 whole tree failures and multiple branch failures (big and small)
- waterlogging of picnic areas and wedding sites
Maintenance disruption
Regular maintenance of the Parklands has been disrupted and impacts as resources have been redirected to assist with flood mitigation and clean up. Other factors in play include:
- COVID - affecting our staff and the ability to source contract labour in the landscape industry
- loss of working days - 59 of the last 90 days have been affected by rainfall
- supply chain shortages - delays on parts and materials unavailable due to flooding in other parts of Sydney/NSW.