HPG is concerned about the environmental impacts as a result of development of the HMAS Penguin site on the Harbour Foreshore. This has been recently highlighted by the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) which has lodged a submission with the Senate Inquiry into the Sale of Defence estate assets.
The SIMS submission states:
“SIMS does not support the transfer of any part of HMAS Penguin for private development. The marine waters surrounding HMAS Penguin and Hunters Bay contain endangered ecosystems (seagrass meadows) and endangered animal species that depend on them (White’s seahorse) ... Any coastal development on this critical land will directly impact these critically endangered ecosystems. If land is no longer required for Defence purposes, it should remain in Commonwealth ownership and be managed for enduring public, environmental, scientific and heritage benefit.”
Read the complete SIMS submission here →
HPG thanks SIMS for lodging the submission and advocates that independent reports such as the SIMS submission be given due consideration by the Department of Finance and Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) in their assessment of the site prior to sale.