We oppose new buildings in National Park at Middle Head. There’s a better option just down the road.

Dear Members and Supporters,

Consultation for the proposed Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh Environment Education Centre is extended to Friday 15 March 2023

School Infrastructure NSW is publicly exhibiting the proposed concept and design for an Environment Education Centre within the Sydney Harbour National Park in the historic Middle Head Fort precinct.

School Infrastructure NSW proposes using the former Soldiers' Institute building and adjacent grounds for the Environment Education Centre and constructing a large Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) and staff facilities, student amenities, and storage.

In short, HPG and MPBA share the following concerns:

• Currently, no new buildings are legally allowed in the Middle Head Fort precinct on Middle Head.

• The proposal requires an amendment to the statutory Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management.

• Existing and suitable premises are available at nearby 10 Terminal.

• The plan includes unnecessary desecration of the heritage precinct and bushland.

• There will be significant visual impact of a large new inappropriate building on the heritage precinct.

• The footprint of the proposed COLA is substantially larger than the existing Soldiers' Institute building.

• It is a waste of money when alternative premises are available.

• The development excludes the public from this part of the historic Middle Head Fort.

Read our detailed set of key points here >

Public Meeting
Wednesday 21 February 2024

Many in the community are not aware of this proposal and its implications for the heritage and environmental values of Middle Head.

HPG, together with the longstanding Mosman community group, Mosman Parks and Bushland Association, will hold a public meeting:

6.30 pm Wednesday 28 February 2024
Mosman Square Seniors Centre,
Spit Junction Mosman.

Please come and hear about the details of this proposal, which the NSW Government has not widely publicised.

HPG and Mosman Parks and Bushland Association support an Environment Education Centre at Middle Head but consider the built environment at 10 Terminal on land managed by the Harbour Trust to be a more appropriate location.

Download a copy of the flyer here >

How you can help

Please take the time to support our position and provide feedback on the Education Department’s online form here >

We’d love to receive your comments and feedback, please email hpg.team@hpg.org.au

Final days – Veterans Stories Art Exhibition

Veterans Stories is currently showing at the Mosman Art Gallery. The exhibition is a must-see and will close this Sunday, 18 February.

We thank the veterans who participated in the program and shared their insights into the challenges they faced during their duties. Many who have attended the exhibition have been humbled by the stories shared.

Regards to all,

Jill L’Estrange
President
Headland Preservation Group