Dear Members and Supporters,

Dear Members and Supporters,

This year is rapidly drawing to a close and although we look back on our many achievements in 2023, we also know that there is still much more to be done.

In 2023 HPG undertook the review, assessment, consultation with the community and advisers, and made written submissions to the Harbour Trust in respect of the following :

• Middle Head / Gubbah Gubbah Draft Master Plan – 14 March 2023

• Middle Head / Gubbah Gubbah Revised Draft Master Plan – 24 August 2023

• North Head Sanctuary Draft Master Plan – 19 September 2023

• Cockatoo Island /Wareamah Draft Master Plan – 1 November 2023 (submission pending)

HPG also launched its inaugural project, Veterans Art Workshop – 'Veterans' Stories' held in April 2023 to coincide with ANZAC Day. The artworks are currently on exhibition at the Mosman Art Gallery.

Middle Head / Gubbah Gubbah Revised Draft Master Plan

One of our greatest concerns this year has been the Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh Draft Master Plan (Draft Plan). Due to community concerns, the Harbour Trust Draft revised the Draft Plan, and the Middle Head / Gubbah Gubbah Revised Draft Master Plan ( Revised Plan) was placed on exhibition for consideration from 24 August 2023 to 21 September 2023.

On 21 November 2023, the Harbour Trust finally released the public submissions on the Revised Plan and published a Consultation Outcomes Report. This Outcomes Report will inform the finalisation of the Master Plan.

HPG conducted an Analysis of Survey Responses to the Revised Draft Plan. Read HPG’s analyis here >

One of the most debated aspects of the original Draft Plan and the Revised Plan is the proposal to demolish the timber Barracks Buildings that form part of the Middle Head military village.

HPG questions Harbour Trust's Consultation Outcomes Report for Middle Head / Gubbah Gubbah Revised Draft Master Plan

The Harbour Trust's Consultation Outcomes Report concludes that "Many submitters supported the complete removal of the timber Buildings" and recommends demolishing the three timber Barracks buildings.

HPG conducted its Analysis of the Revised Plan Survey Responses. Of the 46 submissions reviewed, only 9 (19.5%) specifically supported the demolition of the timber Barracks. 

However, 22 (47.8%) opposed demolition of the timber Barracks and supported the retention of one or more of the timber Barracks. These figures do not include the 60 supporters who responded to HPG's survey and specifically supported HPG's position on this matter.

HPG does not support the demolition of the timber Barracks, nor does it support the reasons put forward by the Harbour Trust to demolish the Barracks – please see HPG's full submission to the Revised Draft Master plan here >

Dates for the Diary

Cockatoo Island / Wareamah Draft Master Plan

The Draft Master Plan is now on public exhibition, with submissions due at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 13 December 2023. 

Please let your views be known. Read the Cockatoo Island Draft Master Plan (scroll down until you see ‘Documents for review’) and ‘Have you say’ here >

HPG has put together some key points to consider when making a submission regarding the Cockatoo Island Draft Master Plan. Read the key points here >

Veterans' Stories Exhibition at Mosman Gallery

The works from the HPG-sponsored Veterans Art Workshop conducted by famed artist Richard Lewer are now on exhibition at the Mosman Art Gallery until 4 February 2024.

The exhibition, officially launched on Friday 1 December 2023, is a chance to see the works created by the Veterans as they relay their experiences through art and to hear their stories captured on video.

HPG thanks Mosman Art Gallery and the Harbour Trust for supporting the project.

Consultation: Middle Head Environment Education Centre 

An information session for the Middle Head Environment Education Centre (EEC) will be held from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm on Wednesday 6 December 2023, at the Soldiers Institute building, 4 Governors Road, Mosman.

HPG does not support the construction of new buildings at the historic Middle Head Fort location. Instead, HPG encourages the Department of Education to use space in the existing 10 Terminal complex. 

You can comment on the proposed adaptive reuse of the Soldiers Institute for an EEC, including the construction of a covered outdoor learning area (COLA) from Wednesday 6 December 2023, to Friday 9 February 2024, comment here >  

Harbour Trust Board Meeting in Public

The Harbour Trust invites members of the public to attend the public board meeting of the Members of the Trust between 3.30 pm and 5.00 pm on Thursday 14 December 2023 at the Harbour Trust Head Office at Building 28, Best Avenue, Mosman, NSW 2088. Members of the Trust will answer pre-submitted questions and engage in discussion at the end of the meeting. 

You can register to attend either in person online via Zoom. It is essential to register here >

HPG thanks you for your ongoing support through membership, donations and messages of encouragement. We will continue to represent community interests assiduously and stay true to our vision, being: "That Sydney Harbour Trust lands of natural, cultural and heritage values be conserved, protected and interpreted in perpetuity for the benefit of all Australians".

Best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Warm Regards,
Jill L'Estrange
President