Petition to Sutherland Shire Council

We, the undersigned residents and visitors of the Sutherland Shire, call on the Council to revise the proposed concept design for Oak Park / Shelly Beach Pavilions.

The current plan threatens to erase the iconic open-air changing rooms and replace them with twelve enclosed toilet cubicles—reducing accessibility by removing the available space for changing and a cherished feature of our beach culture.

In addition, a new roof on the current open-air changing rooms will modify the sleek skyline of the Art Deco’ buildings and obstruct the view towards the ocean from the park.

We believe this change will:

• Disproportionately impact women, families, and elderly residents.
• Eliminate a heritage feature that defines the Pavilion’s character.
• Introduce unnecessary infrastructure where no demand exists.

We demand:

• The preservation and restoration of the open-air changing rooms.
• A reduction in the number of new toilet cubicles.
• A transparent consultation process involving heritage experts and community voices.

As a community, we are not opposed to refreshing or renovating the buildings.
But any upgrade must:

• respect the Art Deco heritage
• preserve the landscape values
• and maintain the open-air character that makes Oak Park and Shelly Beach so loved.

Finally, we are calling for genuine community involvement through a co‑design process.
Local users, heritage experts, and community groups should have a real voice in shaping the future of these places—not simply be informed after decisions are made.

Let’s protect the spirit of Oak Park / Shelly Beach for future generations.
Sign now to stop the redesign and save our heritage and beach culture.