26 August 2025
North Sydney Council has formally adopted a motion enabling it to pursue the development of a local tourism industry, following the passage of a proposal from councillor Godfrey Santer at its August 25 meeting.
The resolution authorises Council, when funds become available, to identify potential tourism destinations and business opportunities in consultation with state and federal governments, inbound tour operators, wholesalers and accommodation providers. It also directs Council to approach Destination NSW for support in establishing and marketing North Shore tourism products, and to work with neighbouring councils on cooperative packaging and promotion.
Santer told colleagues that while the financial position of Council had forced the postponement of an economic development manager hire, it was critical not to lose sight of tourism’s potential. “One of the purposes behind this motion is to ensure that awareness of the potential advantages for our LGA is maintained until the happy day when we can appoint a suitably qualified person to this position so we can get on with the necessary task of establishing permanent staff to staff communication with colleagues in the tourism industry and the government-based tourism industry facilitating organisations, notably Tourism Australia and Destination New South Wales,” he said.
He listed the breadth of existing and potential attractions in the area, ranging from “the best harbour views in Sydney” and harbourside parks with coastal rainforest to First Nations petroglyphs, settler heritage sites, and local icons such as Luna Park, the Coal Loader and North Sydney Pool. “We also have charming restaurants and coffee shops with a European ambience in Kirribilli, Neutral Bay and Crows Nest,” he said. “I should also add to the list the Hayden Orpheum, the wonderful Ensemble Theatre, and North Sydney Oval, with its unique green-roofed stands in a beautiful park setting.”
Santer also argued for bold new ideas. “Would it be possible for the owner of the old South Steyne ferry to bring his ferry round from Berrys Bay to the Coal Loader and re-establish it as a floating restaurant? Could the two renovated buildings at the old Quarantine Depot in Berrys Bay be converted to accommodation? How about a dedicated lift system in a CBD office building taking tourists and diners to a rooftop terrace to take advantage of the finest view of the finest harbour in the world?”
He said other councils had already demonstrated the economic value of tourism, pointing to examples from Tweed Shire, Orange and the Northern Rivers group of councils. “Tourism is contributing substantially to their bottom lines through percentages they can charge on tourism product packages developed for their regions and through increased rate revenue from the new businesses established there as a result of tourism growth,” Santer said.
He concluded with a call for North Sydney to prepare itself to take advantage of the wider rebound in Australia’s visitor economy. “With all this, North Sydney has a great concentration of artistic and sporting icons in Australia. We should be seen to be a mecca for these experiences,” he said. “I commend this report and recommendations to Council and staff colleagues and urge you, when we are in a financial position to do so, to take advantage of tourism’s exciting opportunity for North Sydney. Let us also get a bit wild and wacky!”