For some people, it was standing room only when more than 150 people attended HPG's urgent Public Meeting on Wednesday 12 April 2023.
HPG organised the meeting to inform community members of key facts around the many unanswered questions raised by the Harbour Trust's Draft Master Plan for Middle Head.
Speakers included:
Brigadier Kevin O'Brien, CSC, Rtd, former board member of the Harbour Federation Trust, author of Defending Middle Head: A Short History
Jill L’Estrange, HPG President
Peter Barnes, HPG Committee Member
Peter Twiney, Traffic Engineer
HPG provided attendees with many insights on how the proposed Draft Plan might impact Middle Head and its surrounds. Many community members are concerned about how the volume of the proposed activations on the Middle Head headland will impact the unique heritage aspects of a site that has seen so much history and the impact on parking and transport. The Trust's Draft Plan does not provide details normally included in a master plan – no plans, elevations, dimensions, traffic studies, landscaping, interpretation details or financial costs.
Resolution made at the Public Meeting
The following resolution concerning the Trust's Draft Master Plan was voted on by all meeting attendees and passed unanimously.
That HPG supports the establishment of an Interpretation Centre in the 10 Terminal complex where the indigenous, natural and military heritage values of the Precinct can be shared.
That HPG does not support
Reorientation of Middle Head oval.
Relocation of the existing pavilion.
Demolition of the Guard House / Middle Head café.
Demolition of all Barrack buildings – examine and retention of one barrack building for adaptive reuse.
Events of 2000 people without further analysis.
Urbanisation of the natural landscape.
Download our meeting slide deck here >
Download our information sheet that may help complete a submission >
Or read our revised summery (revised Monday 17 April 2023) here >
If you have not already reviewed the Trust's Draft Master Plan we recommend downloading the Word document that is easier to read. It is over 180 pages long, we suggest you start by reading Chapter 4.
Download from this page >
HOW you can make a submission*
You can provide feedback online on the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website. As well as links to the Draft Master Plan documents there is a link to an online form under "Have Your Say". The form will take you through a series of options to select, you can add additional information by attaching a document. Go to the page here >
OR Snail mail to: Harbour Trust PO Box 607. Mosman, NSW 2088. Australia.
Note: Unfortunately, the Trust will not accept accept submissions by email.
Submissions close Tuesday 9 May 5.00 pm
*Please share your submission with us, and email it to savemiddlehead@gmail.com – unless you give us permission to quote you, we will ensure your submission remains confidential.