HPG MEDIA STATEMENT
Headland Preservation Group (HPG) supports Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Amendment Bill.
Headland Preservation Group announces its support for the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act Amendment Bill, which ensures that the Harbour Trust will continue as an ongoing entity and fulfill its obligation to rehabilitate, preserve and maintain Trust sites for future generations of Australians. The Bill is scheduled to be presented to Parliament during the current sitting period.
In particular, HPG welcomes Minister Ley’s decision to cap leases at 35 years. The provision that leases will not extend beyond 35 years is a positive outcome for both the community and the Trust. The community can be assured that there will be no long-term alienation of public land, and the Trust can be assured that it will not lose control of lands it is entrusted to manage.
HPG thanks Minister Ley for her personal attention and commitment to this matter. With the support of Senator for NSW Senator Andrew Bragg, Trent Zimmerman MP for North Sydney, as well as Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah and Anthony Albanese, leader of the Australian Labor Party and MP for Grayndler, a fair and equitable outcome has been achieved in respect of long term leasing provisions. Jill L’Estrange, President of HPG, said “I applaud this bi-partisan support, which is an acknowledgement of the major cultural, historical and environmental significance of these lands. This is an outcome clearly in the public interest and for the public good.”
THE BILL
The Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, presenting the 3rd reading of the Trust Act Bill, 18 March 2021.
Senator Andrew Bragg speech to the Senate
In his speech on 18 March 2020, Senator Bragg makes remarks about the Harbour Trust and the Independent Review. He also paid special tribute to the volunteers, the Headland Preservation Group and Jill L’Estrange for their work to preserve and conserve precious Harbour Trust lands.
VIDEO: Commonwealth Parliament broadcast of proceedings.