|
Dear Members and Supporters, Much has happened since our last update (28 June) in which we explained HPG’s support and concerns of the Recommendations of the Independent Review of the Harbour Trust. This update covers: The first tangible plans for 10 Terminal The Independent Review’s recommendation for a Memorandum of Understanding Continued Need for Community Consultation
10 TerminalAfter two decades 10 Terminal, on Middle Head, is close to getting the attention it deserves. A heritage architect has been appointed to prepare a Development Plan for the precinct. The guiding principles and the architect’s initial ideas have been presented to a sub-group of the HPG Committee. Although there is much agreement between the Trust and HPG, HPG believes the preliminary plan allocates too much of the area to office space. Office space generates revenue but will not create a dynamic and interesting venue. Middle Head, its adjacent Trust and NPWS parkland, the 10 Terminal buildings, and their combined heritage value, need a mix of synergistic and imaginative uses that will bring vibrant life to the area and encourage understanding and appreciation of Middle Head’s unique heritage value. Read how this should be achieved in HPG’s submission here → Some funds have been committed but not enough. Thus far the Federal Government has committed $10m for the 10 Terminal precinct. However, only $4.7m is allocated to the building itself. This is inadequate. HPG has received experienced advice that up to $15m may be required to remediate 10 Terminal to a ’soft shell’ condition – the condition when it can be adaptively reused and leased. 10 Terminal is a site of national importance and has been waiting two decades to tell its story. It would be a regrettable lost opportunity not to restore and activate this hugely important military building in a way that complements its historical past. Furthermore, in an attempt to secure self sustainability, the uses recommended in HPG’s proposal are predominantly income generating. Memorandum Of UnderstandingThe Independent Review recommended a formal ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)’ between the Federal and State Governments to manage public lands of National, Environmental and Heritage value around Sydney Harbour. HPG believes the New South Wales Government should NOT dictate the management of Trust lands. These lands are national assets with their own legislative purpose – purpose which cannot in any way be compromised. Specifically, although the State Government addresses environmental protection in its various draft plans for the “Whole of Sydney Harbour”, it does not address the Protection and Interpretation of Heritage Values as required for Trust Lands under the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act. HPG argues that the MOU must embody an effective mechanism to ensure the protection and interpretation of Trust Land and hopefully State harbour foreshore land of heritage value also. Community ConsultationThe Review also highlighted the need to strengthen the Trust’s partnership with the community. The Trust’s Letter of Intent to Minister Ley dated 13 July 2020 acknowledges this. HPG’s campaign against the aged care development on Middle Head from 2013 to 2016 dramatically demonstrated that the community has an active vested interest in the future of 10 Terminal, and Middle Head generally. Any late-stage public display of completed, DA-approved, plans will be viewed as ‘tick-the-box’ consultation. Encouraging as it is, HPG suspects that the Project Direction for 10 Terminal is being pursued without time for adequate community consultation. This can only fuel distrust of the Trust at a time when relationships are very productive. HPG is currently working to ensure that the wider community is consulted in this Project Direction process. How you can helpWe urge you to address the above three issues in a personal letter to the Trust and/or to our Federal representative, Independent MP, The Hon Zali Steggall, and to Senator Andrew Bragg, Liberal representative with responsibility for the seat of Warringah. Contact details: Mary Darwell, CEO, SHFT
Email: mary.darwell@harbourtrust.gov.au
Phone: (02) 8969 2102
Address: Building 28, Best Avenue, Mosman, NSW 2088
PO Box 607, Mosman, NSW 2088 Zali Steggall
Email: Zali.Steggall.MP@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9977 6411
Address: Level 2, 17-19 Sydney Rd, Manly, NSW 2095 Senator Andrew Bragg
Email: senator.bragg@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9159 9320
Address: Suite 23.03, Level 23, 56 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
GPO Box 5411, Sydney, NSW, 2001 Sincerely,
Jill L’Estrange
HPG President
hpg.org.au
|
