The Draft Master Plan for Middle Head released in March 2023 lacks critical information.
DRAFT MASTER PLAN IS an architectural vision statement NOT a draft master plan.
The Harbour Trust’s promotional brochure is deceptive – it does not cover the complexities of the proposed changes as presented in the 185-page Word document version of the Draft Master Plan.
We need to get the planning right for this valuable public asset. There are many unanswered questions.
Click here to be directed to the Draft Master Plan >
Please attend our Public Meeting – 6.00 pm Wednesday 12 April 2023, Mosman Senior Citizens Centre, Mosman Square. We’ll help you understand the issues and advise you on how best to make a submission. Following community response the closing date for submissions has been extended to Tuesday 9 May 2023 (previously Tuesday 18 April 2023) .
ATTEND THE Public Meeting
6.00 pm Wednesday 12 April 2023
Mosman Senior Citizens Centre, Mosman Square
Questions unanswered
Where are the details for the proposed redevelopment of the Middle Head Oval, particularly the demolition of the existing pavilion and construction of a new pavilion in a heritage precinct?
Why are they demolishing the guardhouse to the military village and, in doing so, closing down Middle Head Café, which provides a significant public benefit?
How does the Harbour Trust’s Draft Master Plan respect the natural, indigenous and military heritage of Middle Head?
What will be the impact on the local community of Harbour Trust’s plans to activate Middle Head with proposed events of up to 2000 people a day as late as 10 pm, with some events running three days?
How will the events affect traffic volumes and local roads, already under pressure from beach-goers and Zoo visitors?
The Trust’s consultation process is flawed. The community deserves the opportunity to review and respond to a complete and detailed Middle Head Master Plan.
Background:
Consultation
HPG has been waiting 25 years for the Middle Head precinct to be restored and activated.
The Draft Master Plan (DMP) was placed on public exhibition on 14 March., The plan is 185 pages long (word) and complex and the executive summary inadequate. The submission closing date (18 April) has been extended to 9 May 2023.
The Middle Head Military Village
Is the only intact military village in Australia.
It was built between 1940 and 1950 and was operational since that time until 1998 when Defence departed.
The village is Commonwealth Heritage Listed notwithstanding that not every building is heritage – eg the guardhouse ( Middle Head Café). This listing as a precinct is because it leads to a wider understanding of how a military base operates ie the design and construction and operation of barracks, defence housing , fortifications, gun batteries and defensive works.
All buildings in the precinct, with the exception of the guardhouse, have a separate Cwlth Heritage Listing as does Military Road.
Concerns:
Relocation of Sporting Facilities
Proposal to open up a view corridor at the roundabout by relocating the sporting amenities block to the southeast of the oval being the present location of the Guardhouse aka Middle Head Café. This will require the demolition of the Guard house.
The statutory plan provides only for renovation and additions to existing buildings which we support.
The existing sports facility is not a major impediment to the view corridor as there are many other existing and potential views corridors.
Demolition of Guard House
Guard House to the Military Village – part of Commonwealth heritage listing – this may require an alteration to the listing or at least Ministerial approval.
It appears no consideration has been given to the huge community benefit created by Middle Head Café? It has been a very successful adaptive re-use of a military building.
Does not seem appropriate to demolish a flourishing business to relocate an amenities block unless of course it is going to be sports pavilion with a café and seating!!
Public petition for save the Middle Head café is now over 2,300 signatures.
New Sports Pavilion
HPG does not support new building in the historic precinct which will diminish its heritage values.
There are no other new buildings on Middle Head except for the non intrusive toilet block at the artists precinct.
There are no plans on exhibition for the new pavilion – no indication of size or exact location ( see Mosman Council papers for 4 April meeting)
No guarantee the new pavilion will not impact the view corridor.
Will require the removal of trees.
No costings associated with new pavilion
Demolition of Barracks 1, 2 & 3
HPG advocates for the retention of at least 1 Barrack building to complete the story of the military village
Trust strongly advocates for the removal of the Barracks as "will create a natural public domain with curated First Nations walk overlooking the harbour".
Barracks classified as moderate heritage – removal destroys the stories they tell ie accommodation for special Vietnam forces training in intelligence and terror.
Trust says retaining the Barracks erodes First Nations values of place – no reason why?
There are no details of First Nations values of place?
Temporary Accommodation? Most buildings built during WW1 WW11 and post were of a temporary nature because they were built quickly for an immediate need eg WW1 Hospital at Georges Heights.
Statement that they are highly visible and intrusive is not correct
Removal ‘enhances core heritage values of place’ Which core heritage values?
Has anyone assessed the cost of restoration?
Bushfire risk can be mitigated by changes to vegetation ie clearing undergrowth which will no doubt happen anyway for view corridors.
Could be used for Veterans well being or accommodation for 80km walk.
Parade Ground
Not correctly interpreted as it is in the wrong location. The Parade ground is used as the current parking area for Middle Head Café if correctly interpreted it could be multi purpose use area.
Events
Of concern are medium events being community festivals, sporting events, concert/conferences.
Characterised by 500-2,000 people per day.
Duration of up to 3 days.
Operates up to 10.00pm.
Some restrictions to public access.
How many events per year?
Where is the detail?
No study as to what the precinct can sustain.
Major impact of parking, car and bus movements.
Traffic / Parking
No traffic studies.
Insufficient bus turning circle.
Intrusive and unworkable drop off zone – bus movements to go to Chowder Bay to turn around!!
Impact on neighbourhood – not only increased traffic but car and bus parking in the neighbourhood.
Sports drop off zone is unworkable and dangerous.
Proposal to remove round about - no proper consultation. Penguin require roundabout for movement of semi trailers.
Impact on parking for other activities and 80km walkers.
Landscaping and First Nations Interpretation
Concern that there are no detailed plans.
Concern that landscapes will be urbanised with terracing and playgrounds and consequently natural values diminished.
