Harbour Trust push for 35+ year leases is alienation of public land

Dear Members and Supporters,

The Harbour Trust's push for leases of 35 years or more in amendments to the Trust Act is alienation of public land.

Following the Independent Review, the Commonwealth Government is seeking to change the Sydney Harbour Federation Act to allow long leases of 35 years or more without adequate Parliamentary and community scrutiny.

Leases of 35 years or more may result in lease terms of, say, 99 years, which is the effective sale of land for a private purpose. There is no need for leases over 35 years. Most commercial leases are for terms of 25 years or less. The Trust has many successful tenants, all of whom have leases of 25 years or less.

Harbour Trust Executive Director steps down

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Executive Director, Mary Darwell, has announced that she will step down from her role, effective 26 February 2021.

HPG wishes to thank Mary for always making herself available to consult with members of the HPG Committee and for implementing changes to ensure that the community has a voice in the decision making of Trust matters. HPG acknowledges the enthusiasm and energy Mary brought to the Executive Director's role in steering the Trust through the Review process and implementing the Review recommendations.

HPG wishes Mary well in her future endeavours.

Past HPG Committee Member, Rob Bagnall, awarded OAM

HPG is delighted to learn that Rob was awarded an Order of Australia in the 2021 Australia Day Honours list.