Dear Members and Supporters,

As always, leading up to Christmas, when many enjoy pre-Christmas festivities, there is still much to do.

Please see a summary of matters addressed below:

Consultation: Middle Head Environment Education Centre

HPG attended the information session for the Environment Education Centre (EEC) at Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh on 6 December 2023.

HPG ‘s concerns regarding the project remain, and they are as follows:

1. Many in the community are unaware of the development proposal by School Infrastructure NSW to build a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA), staff facilities, student amenities, and storage next door to the Soldiers Institute at Middle Head Fort (see HPG’s mock up above). This failure to adequately inform the community must be addressed.

2. The bulk and size of the COLA will have a detrimental impact on the heritage and environmental values of the precinct. It will require clearing native bushland to provide an asset protection zone for bushfire management.

3. While School Infrastructure NSW has been in discussion with the Harbour Trust regarding an alternative location of the EEC at 10 Terminal, it is apparent that such an alternative will only be considered as a last resort when investigating the proposal for Sydney Harbour National Park land has been exhausted.

Consultation on the proposed development is open until Friday 9 January 2024.

Since the consultation period coincides with Christmas, New Year, Australia Day, and School holidays, when many people are on vacation or are otherwise engaged, HPG has written to both the Minister for Education, Hon. Prue Car, and Minister for Environment and Heritage, Hon. Penny Sharpe requesting an extension of time for submissions. HPG will keep you advised as to the outcome of this request.

For further details on HPG’s position >

Cockatoo Island / Wareamah Draft Master Plan

HPG’s Response to Harbour Trust Cockatoo Island / Wareamah Draft Master Plan (HPG’s Response) was lodged on 13 December 2024. While generally supporting the Master Plan, HPG lists its key concerns in the ‘Summary of Comments and Position’ on pages 4-5 of HPG’s Response.

Full details can be found here >

New Appointees to the Harbour Trust

Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek MP has made the following appointments to the Board of the Harbour Trust:

• Professor Tim Entwisle – Chairman

• Mr Terry Bailey – Board Member

• Ms Ann Sherry AO – Board Member

• Ms Alexandra O’Mara – Board Member

They join existing members, Ms Alison Page, Ms Pru Goward AO and Ms Chantelle Fornari on the board.

See further details here >

Harbour Trust Board Meeting in Public

HPG attended the Harbour Trust Board Meeting in Public on Thursday 14 December 2023.

The Board meeting was chaired by the newly appointed chairman, Mr Tim Entwistle.

It was announced at the meeting that the Harbour Trust Board has approved the Draft Revised Master Plan for Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh in its current form.

HPG is concerned that the decision to approve the Revised Master Plan was made by five board members three of whom are recent appointees. When questioned from the floor during the Q & A session, it became apparent that none of the board members had read the public submissions before the decision was made and were unaware of the extent of public support for the retention of at least one of the timber Barracks buildings at Middle Head.

The final decision on demolition of the timber Barracks rests with Minister Plibersek under the provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

HPG has already advised the Minister of the community’s concerns regarding the proposed demolition of the timber Barracks and will be further advocating the community’s position.

We shall keep you informed on our progress in respect of this matter.

As HPG is looking forward to a well-earned rest over the festive season, we also wish you a restful and happy time.

Merry Christmas to all.

Jill L’Estrange
President
Headland Preservation Group