HPG supports an EEC but does not support it at Middle Head Fort. Middle Head Fort is a place of exceptional Indigenous, colonial, and military heritage and important natural environmental values, which will be diminished by this development. There is ample suitable accommodation 200 metres away in the vacant 10 Terminal buildings on land managed by the Harbour Trust, where the construction of a COLA is not required.
HPG understands that following public consultation a concept plan will be developed and a Section 60 works application to Heritage Council NSW will be lodged. SINSW will then develop and lodge an REF and Sustainability Assessment for NPWS consideration.
These reports will be assessed by NPWS and Heritage NSW and their recommendations made to the Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Hon. Penny Sharpe, who will determine the proposed amendment to the SHNP PoM.
This process is concerning. It appears that NPWS is working closely with SINSW to facilitate this development. Yet, they will take part in assessing the heritage and environmental reports.
It is ironic that the proposal to build an EEC to teach children the important values of the environment (natural and built) will destroy natural bushland and adversely impact the area's built heritage values of the area.