An update from Headland Preservation Group

Dear Members and Supporters,

I am thinking of you all at this most anxious time as we face the COVID-19 crisis. We are facing unprecedented times and are pleased to see the unity of Parliament in doing all they can to secure the safety of Australians. On behalf of HPG, I wish you safe passage through this tumultuous time.

As the COVD-19 crisis intensifies, the focus of the politicians is rightly on the protection of the Australian people. So I anticipate that not much will happen now until Minister Sussan Ley hands down her findings resulting from the Independent Review of the Harbour Trust.

Since the 18 February Review Forum the following has occurred:

Review group meeting for waitlisted people

As you may be aware, the 18 February Review Forum was fully subscribed and an estimated 60 people were turned away. HPG was advised that those on the waitlist for 18 February Forum were invited to an Independent Review of the Sydney Harbour Trust group meeting in March that was subsequently cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus crisis. The reviewers, however, are happy to discuss any input you may have by phone. If you wish to be contacted for this purpose, please provide a contact number, along with details of your availability over the coming week, and reviewers will call you directly. Please contact Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Review Secretariat at SHFTReview@environment.gov.au

Cockatoo Island

I refer you to the Opinion piece published in the Sydney Morning Herald, 10 March 2020, by Jenna Price ‘It’s the best place I’ve been in my life and Sydney could have one just like it’

Read the responses to Letters to the Editor, by Linda Bergin, Founding President HPG, Barbara Sullivan and myself, and also a supportive letter by Kylie Winkworth, here on our website →

Harbour Trust Draft Leasing Policy

In response to a request from HPG, the Harbour Trust has extended the date for submissions in respect of the Draft Leasing Policy until the end of May. It is anticipated this will be after Minister Sussan Ley has handed down her findings in respect of the Independent Review and will enable HPG and the community to formulate a more informed response to the Draft Leasing Policy. You can read the Trust’s Draft Leasing Policy here →

Letter to Minister Sussan Ley – Harbour Trust Submission to the Independent Review

On 17 March 2020, HPG wrote to Minister Sussan Ley detailing HPG’s position in respect of matters raised by the Harbour Trust in their submission to the Independent Review. You can read a copy of the letter here →

HPG has requested that the Minister makes no decision in response to the Independent Review until the current COVID-19 crisis passes, to enable HPG and the community to air any concerns and to allow more debate on such a vitally important issue. HPG awaits the Minister’s response.

HPG has also been in discussion with Senator Andrew Bragg, who is representing the Liberal Party in the electorate of Warringah. Senator Bragg has endorsed our request that the Minister’s delay her response to the Independent Review until after the COVID-19 crisis passes and he has advised that he will present our views to the Minister in this respect. HPG is saddened to hear that Senator Bragg has tested positive to COVID-19 and we wish him well for a speedy recovery.

HPG wishes all our members, supporters, their families and friends good health.

Sincerely,

Jill L’Estrange

HPG President