On October 30, an “Independent Review” of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was announced by the federal Department of Environment. The Review is very broad and will make recommendations to the Government.
The passage of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act in 2001 embodied the vision and objectives originally determined by the community, following a determined campaign by HPG and other groups, namely the preservation of the Aboriginal, military and environmental heritage the sites around Sydney Harbour, for the benefit of present and future generations.
It was originally intended that the Harbour Trust would vest after 10 years and the lands handed over to an appropriate State or local government authority. As the end of that period approached it was obvious that the work of the Trust was far from complete. HPG and The Mosman Parks & Bushland Association lobbied to have the life of the Trust extended. There was an Amendment to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act which extended the life of the Trust to 2033.
In the run-up to the recent Federal election, the former Member for Warringah, Tony Abbott, succeeded in obtaining an allocation for the Trust of $22.3 million - 21.4 million for capital works (10 m for Ten Terminal, 11.4 for Platypus) and $900,000 for a "review".
The time for public comment is very short (Submissions due on 23 December 2019) given the Terms of Reference which include:
LEGISLATIVE – “regulatory frameworks constrain development of a sustainable operational model” - in other words, is one possibility that the Trust Act be amended to allow more commercial opportunities?
GOVERNANCE – “present arrangements….force the Trust to operate as an ongoing and transitional body, creating financial challenges” - in other words, should the Trust be wound up in 2033, as per the Act, NOW, sooner or never? Where would the Trust lands end up if removed?
FINANCIAL – “significant works….and unrealised potential….the cost of which is substantial and unfunded” - in other words, large sums seemingly needed despite virtually all Trust lands open to the public - why?
The Review includes all Trust sites, with a greater focus on North Head and Cockatoo Island.
This is not a review required by legislation but was at the discretion of the Government.
In addition, there is no legal framework for the consultation process, unlike most previous public consultations relating to Trust lands.
There will be 3 public forums at 3 different locations. Elton Consulting will run the forums.
1. Cockatoo Island, Tuesday 19 November 2019
2. Headland Park Mosman, Monday 25 November 2019
3. North Head Sanctuary Manly, Tuesday 26 November 2019
ALL REVIEW DOCUMENTS AND FORUM DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE →
Please try to attend one of the forums. Express your concerns. Questions that should be asked:
The time frame for consultation and writing submissions is inadequate. Why can’t it be extended into the New Year until after the Christmas holiday period?
What is the Trust’s future? Should it remain a Federal agency or should some of its sites be handed to NSW, for management by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
The conservation and remediation of some of the sites, particularly Cockatoo Island and the buildings at North Head are far from complete and the cost will be substantial. How should they be funded?
The Trust derives income from leasing its buildings and from events, but it is not self- funding. What level of commercialisation is acceptable?
The legislation was drafted after much thought and consultation. Why is it necessary to change the legislation governing the Trust? How would the legislation be changed? And, if the legislation is changed, what protections would be put in place to protect Trust lands from inappropriate commercial development?
Why can’t the federal government adequately fund the rehabilitation of the buildings so that the Trust can become self funding? It has not enough money to finish the rehabilitation of buildings and be self funding.
Why can’t the Trust continue in perpetuity? The Trust has been a great success and its model should be enhanced not diminished.