Say no to new buildings and destruction of bushland at Middle Head

Dear Members and Supporters,

Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh Environment Education Centre Public Meeting

The Headland Preservation Group (HPG), in conjunction with Mosman Parks and Bushland Association (MPBA), held a public meeting on Wednesday 21 February 2024, to inform the public about the proposal by School Infrastructure NSW to establish an Environment Education Centre at Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh.

The proposed Environment Education Centre includes the adaptive reuse of the former Soldiers Institute, a heritage building, and the construction of a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA), toilets, staff facilities and a storeroom.

New buildings are not currently allowed at Middle Head, and the construction of a COLA and associated structures requires the amendment of the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management. The proposed COLA would substantially impact and detract from the site's First Nations, military heritage, and environmental values.

The meeting room was at capacity, with 90 members of the public attending. Public concern regarding the direction of the proposed development was evident at the meeting. Read our news report with speaker transcripts here >

ABOVE: Jill L’Estrange, President of HPG (left); Kate Eccles,
President of Mosman Parks and Bushland Association (right);
and Dr David Robertson, Director of Cumberland Ecology, addressed the meeting outlining the deleterious ramifications of amending the Plan of Management to allow new buildings in the precinct.

Following a Q&A, those present at the meeting unanimously resolved to approve the following motion:

The Sydney Harbour National Park at Middle Head is a precinct of exceptional environmental, First Nations, colonial and military heritage values.
It is also a precinct of national historic significance.
No new buildings should be built in the Sydney Harbour National Park at Middle Head.
Amendment of the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management to allow new building for the establishment of an Environment Education Centre at Middle Head is not supported.
An Environment Education Centre located at the Ten Terminal precinct at Middle Head on land managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is supported.

What you can do:

HPG and MPBA urge you to make your views known and to lodge a submission. Provide your feedback on the Education Department’s online form > Submissions close on Friday 15 March at 5.00 pm.
If you support our position, please complete our online form > and you are agreeable, please include a copy of your submission and/or comments.
Also write to your local members, State and Commonwealth, to register your concerns.

Thank you for your support, particularly those who have generously donated towards this cause.

HPG and MPBA are not-for-profit community organisations protecting public lands for the benefit of you and all future generations of Australians.

Kind Regards,

Jill L’Estrange

President

Headland Preservation Group