NSW 2026–27 pre-budget submission
Safe health zones and voluntary clothing optional wellbeing sections in public parks, riverbanks, reserves and national parks
Submitted by: NaturismRE
Submitted by: Vincent Marty, Founder
Sydney, NSW
www.NaturismRE.com
Executive summary
NaturismRE proposes that the NSW Government establish a statewide framework enabling councils, local land managers and national park authorities to create Safe Health Zones, also known as SHZ, that support night shift workers, improve community wellbeing and reduce long-term health burdens.
SHZ are restorative outdoor environments designed to address the physiological and psychological impacts of circadian disruption, stress and fatigue. These zones can be implemented at minimal cost by using existing public parks, riverbanks, reserves and selected national park areas.
Within each SHZ, councils may designate a small, clearly defined voluntary clothing optional wellbeing section. This section enhances sunlight exposure, supports body-positive mental health outcomes and allows deeper nature immersion for community members who choose to participate. The clothing optional component remains discreet and respectful, with vegetation buffers or wooden screens used to create privacy.
NaturismRE requests NSW Treasury support for three elements.
A twelve-month pilot program establishing SHZ in selected councils and one national park region.
Statewide implementation guidelines for councils and park authorities.
A multidisciplinary study evaluating health, economic and community benefits.
This combined model represents a low-cost, high-impact public health strategy with strong potential to reduce long-term healthcare costs while improving quality of life for NSW residents.
Background
Night shift workers across NSW face significantly increased risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, mental health decline and fatigue-related injuries. These conditions contribute to higher healthcare utilisation, reduced productivity and long-term workforce attrition.
At the same time, public parks and natural spaces are underused as preventive health assets.
Research consistently shows that nature immersion, sunlight exposure, grounding practices and quiet outdoor environments support stress relief, emotional stability and circadian recovery.
SHZ provide a structured way to harness these benefits without requiring major infrastructure investment.
The optional naturist wellbeing component supports additional outcomes for individuals who benefit from deeper nature exposure and body-positive practices. Clothing optional areas operate safely and respectfully in many countries, such as Germany, Spain, France, Canada and New Zealand. When clearly marked and buffered, these areas reduce conflict, provide clarity and remain compatible with family-friendly parks.
Challenges to be addressed in the 2026–27 NSW Budget
NSW lacks a structured, low-cost system to support night shift workers affected by chronic circadian disruption.
Councils often struggle to justify new wellbeing infrastructure when budgets are limited.
There is no statewide guidance enabling councils to designate clothing optional wellbeing areas safely and consistently.
Public parks remain underused as preventive health environments despite their accessibility.
The long-term cost of untreated stress, sleep disruption and burnout continues to rise across NSW communities.
A coordinated SHZ strategy offers a scalable response to these challenges.
Proposal
NaturismRE proposes that the NSW Government:
Fund a statewide pilot program establishing SHZ in five participating councils and one national park region.
Develop guidelines for implementing SHZ with voluntary clothing optional sections, including design, signage, risk management and privacy considerations.
Commission a health, economic and tourism impact study evaluating the benefits of SHZ across NSW.
Promote SHZ as a preventive health initiative within NSW Health and local government wellbeing planning.
This model uses existing public land, requires minimal infrastructure and supports diverse community needs.
Implementation framework
SHZ can be established within existing public parks, riverbanks and reserves. Councils and national park authorities can designate these zones using simple measures such as:
edge shrubs and vegetation buffers
timber screens or low wooden structures
natural landforms that provide visual separation
clear behavioural signage
pathway adjustments to guide movement respectfully
These methods require no major capital works.
The voluntary naturist section remains a small, discreet part of the SHZ. Participation is optional, and the wider SHZ is open to families, seniors, night shift workers and the general community.
Benefits to NSW
Health benefits
Reduced fatigue-related illness and injury among night shift workers
Improved mental health through nature immersion
Healthier sunlight exposure and emotional regulation
Reduced stress and enhanced recovery
Economic benefits
Lower long-term healthcare expenditure
Reduced workers compensation costs
New wellness and naturist tourism opportunities
Activation of underused public land at minimal cost
Social benefits
Increased community use of natural spaces
Respect for personal choice in a clearly managed setting
Reduced stigma and improved clarity around naturism
Strengthened community cohesion through shared outdoor wellbeing areas
Funding options
Funding may be supported through NSW Health preventive health allocations, community
wellbeing grants, environmental activation programs, cost-sharing partnerships with councils
and employer contributions for night shift worker recovery.
Because SHZ repurpose existing land, financial requirements are low compared with
traditional capital projects. Over time, reduced healthcare demand and improved worker
productivity offset the initial investment.
Conclusion
Safe Health Zones with optional naturist wellbeing sections offer a cost-efficient, evidence aligned approach to improving public health, supporting essential workers and enhancing the value of NSW public spaces. The model leverages existing natural environments and provides measurable benefits for communities across the state.
NaturismRE is ready to collaborate with NSW Government, councils and national park authorities to deliver pilot programs, research outcomes and implementation support.
Contact
Vincent Marty
Founder, NaturismRE
Sydney, NSW
www.NaturismRE.com
+61494 164 815