HPG is pleased to respond to the Cockatoo Island/Wareamah Draft Concept Vision.
Download a PDF of the Draft Concept Vision here →
Cockatoo island, the largest of the Sydney Harbour Islands is unique for its layered history. Its history is a rich mix of Indigenous, convict, penal, social reform, naval and maritime industry.
The island has a distinctive geography as a ‘drowned knoll’ which lies at the heart of Sydney Harbour. It is a place of significance to our First Nations people. In more recent times it has been sculpted by colonialists and others to become a maritime industrial island.
The Draft Concept Vision for the Island must be sympathetic to the Island’s many layers, its many stories and its harsh industrial appearance. Notwithstanding the Island’s brutal past, it is loved by many as it tells an unadorned story of its past and this must be respected.
Headings used throughout this response follow those used by the Trust in their Draft Concept Vision. Text in bold are quotes from the Draft Concept Vision.
Country as Meeting Place
“Our vision for Wareamah is to connect future with the past and merge divergent cultural histories; for the island to be a healed and rejuvenated landscape where people meet and come together, celebrate, share knowledge, learn from and experience Country. We will work closely with Traditional Owners in creating this vision” (Draft Concept Vision p.5).
HPG supports the above Vision Statement as it is important that First Nations stories are told, and their culture heralded. However, the subsequent layered history of the Island must not be underplayed.
In colonial times, Cockatoo island’s history was brutal. This history must be recorded, and the stories also told. It is a place where convicts were incarcerated, where there was a reformatory and Industrial School for girls, a goal to ease over-crowding at Darlinghurst Goal, a dockyard with docks and workshops built by convicts, and in more recent times a place of shipbuilding, and a major naval dockyard from 1913 until 1991.
Cockatoo Island is unique because of its many layers of history each of which have left their footprint on the Island. These footprints should not be erased to make the Island different from its current state. The Island’s existing footprint is the result of different uses over time and each part of that history expresses our past, dictates our present and informs our future. The stories of each must be told.
Community Consultation
HPG understands that the Cockatoo Island Dialogue undertaken by Elton Consulting and Two-point Co in August 2019 informed the Current Draft Concept Vision which is the subject of this consultation.
The focus of the engagement process was a conversation in respect of 3 key questions. These questions were asked of First Nations people, Harbour Trust Board and key stakeholders, Harbour Trust staff, Community Advisory Committee members, tourism, heritage, arts and cultural stakeholders etc. Very few members of the public, who are the primary stakeholders, participated in the consultation. Survey results from 418 participants were as follows: -
Q1 “What captures your imagination about Cockatoo Island?” 75% said a “place for heritage/history/storytelling” with 41% saying “Its setting and natural beauty”
Q2: “What role do you see Cockatoo Island playing in a growing city with so many varied interests and needs?
Top of the list with 39% was a “place for heritage/history”. second, at 32% a “place for art and culture” and third a “place for everyday activities and people”Q3: “What needs to happen to make this imagined future real?”
Top of the list at 23% was “keep it as is/continue current approach”.
Elton Consulting also found that ‘Aspects of Cockatoo Island that strongly resonated with people were its location on Sydney Harbour, its apartness, its rawness, its multilayered and evolving identity, its natural beauty and silence. People want to see these archetypal qualities of the island retained into the future’… (P.8 Continuing a conversation about the future of Cockatoo Island-Stakeholder Engagement – Elton Consulting 31 August 2019).
Overwhelmingly the community wishes the existing values of the Island to be retained, enhanced and interpreted. The activation of the island must be sympathetic to these values.
First Nations Consultation
In responding to the stated ideas and aspirations in the Draft Concept neither HPG nor other members of the public have had the benefit of meeting with the First Nations groups or reading the outcome of the Indigenous consultation undertaken by Two Point Co prior to submitting their response to this consultation. HPG questions the efficacy of the theme that Cockatoo Island is a sacred women’s place without the opportunity to validate this theme through wider First Nations consultation. Without being properly informed, the public and HPG risk making a response that may lead to the island's interpretation and evolution being driven by one view only.
There is no acknowledgement of sources for the information reproduced in the Cockatoo Island Draft Vision where it suggests that the island was a sacred women's place for First Nations people. There is no remaining remnant of pre-colonial occupation on the island. Without open and transparent consultation with First nation peoples the risk is that the Island’s interpretation and evolution may be driven by one view and that may not necessarily be the informed view.
HPG has consulted with the Trust’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee who, contrary to the view expressed in the Draft Vision, have advised that Cockatoo Island was a place where old or sick persons who were terminal would be taken to die. As there is no water on the island they would be left to pass on. After their death the family members, usually women, would return and cremate them. It has also been suggested by the Committee that Cockatoo Island was not only the domain of women but that men visited the island also as it was used as a stopover point when traversing the harbour.
HPG has heard many stories of First Nations occupation of Cockatoo Island, including a meeting place of four clans, a sacred women’s meeting place, a place of healing but also a place of death and passing. It may be that each of these stories needs to be told if they can’t be reconciled.
The Draft Vision states that “It is important to elevate the elements that reconcile, interpret and assert the long connection of First Nations people to the island and the surrounding harbour and waterways” .. P18
The Concept Plan for Cockatoo Island is peppered with the terms ‘First Nations’ and ‘Country’. ‘First Nations’ and ‘Country’ are mentioned 120 times versus ‘adaptive reuse’ only 3. It seems First Nations heritage has been elevated to become the primary focus of the vision for Cockatoo Island by the Trust.
The elevation of these elements must not be at the expense of a balance between First Nations history and the industrial, maritime and social history of the island. For 200 years colonial and industrial activities on the island played an important part in Australia’s history especially during the two world wars.
Vision Principles
The vision for Cockatoo Island must be informed by the legislated objects of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001. They are to Preserve, Conserve and Interpret these lands. The core values of Cockatoo Island that must be preserved, conserved and interpreted are its Aboriginal, Cultural, Military, Maritime, and Industrial values.
The Vision principles should be informed by the following:
There must be BALANCE between aboriginal, colonial, institutional, naval and industrial maritime histories
No artificiality. A place where adults and children visit to enjoy, learn and appreciate and rather than to BE ENTERTAINED.
Focus on education, recreation, continuation of maritime industry and sensitive activation of the Island.
Cockatoo Island in the Draft Concept Vision document has been divided into 8 precincts and 2 areas with more detail on the North Apron
Arrival
Wareamah Tidal Terrace
Creative Precinct
Fitzroy Dock
Cockatoo Dock Yard
The Plateau
Central Plateau Campus
Eastern Plateau Campus
Slipways Playground
Cockatoo Campground
Vision
The Vision for each precinct will focus on:
Reconnecting
Repairing
Repurposing
Renaturing
1. Reconnecting
The Draft Concept Vision states that:
“For thousands and thousands of years, Cockatoo Island / Wareamah was visited, understood and cared for and nurtured as a special meeting place, located between four clans of Eora on Sydney Harbour……The Harbour Trust is seeking to return the stories and connections to Country, alongside the colonial, maritime and industrial history… “
HPG supports the interpretation and the story telling of the connection to Country of First Nations people. HPG however would like to hear first-hand from First Nations people as to their ideas and aspirations for the Island.
2. Repair
“Repairing where possible will involve an improvement in ecological and environmental outcomes on the island. Repair will bring water back to the land, allow for ongoing remediation and healing of places that have faced severe changes or impacts. Repairing will continue to restore buildings and find new uses, while also repairing important artifacts, machines and relics, allowing existing and new stories to be told through these spaces. “
HPG supports repair that protects, conserves and interprets the historical and environmental values of the Island (s6 Objects Clause of the Trust Act). It is HPG’s position that Cockatoo Island should not be beautified to be something that it never was or does not reflect its brutal historical past.
It is HPG’s understanding that the geology of Cockatoo Island was a ‘heavily timbered sandstone knoll’ sitting in the deepest part of Sydney Harbour, where the currents are strong and the tidal movements extreme at times. It didn’t boast sandy beaches. Repair by bringing water back to the land is introducing a new concept that was never a part of the geological makeup of the island, nor an authentic interpretation of pre-colonial times.
3. Repurpose
“Making new experiences in existing public spaces and buildings through rethinking and reimagining activities will strengthen the purpose of the island as a significant regional, national and international destination. Compressing and consolidating some activities will encourage an improved feeling of place, as well as increased levels of activity and community on the island.”
Whilst supporting the importance of activating and maximising public access to the Island, HPG is also of the view that where appropriate, buildings and structures should be adaptively reused. Some of the industrial buildings, for example, could be repurposed for education and training in ship building, engineering and maritime skills.
New experiences must be respectful and sympathetic to the Island’s historical past. This UNESCO world heritage site must not be dumbed down by transient populist attractions that fail to interpret it’s past.
4. Renature
“With over 50% of Cockatoo Island hard paved or roofed, it can present a harsh and inhospitable experience — one that contributes to temperature and microclimate extremes. Large areas of building and hard paving can be modified through new approaches to planting, gardens and urban tree canopy that will help to significantly regreen and renature the island. This approach will improve amenity for visitors, but also provide a much-needed increased habitat for local fauna, that connects into Sydney’s wider metropolitan ‘green grid.’ “
Cockatoo Island does present a harsh and inhospitable experience and that is because historically it was a harsh and inhospitable place. The eastern sandstone escarpment quarried to provide sandstone for Sydney Cove, is a stark reminder of the harsh toils of the convicts and others. This is the reality of the island, and it gives the island its unique character. Many extoll the virtues of the rustic Cockatoo that we know as it is a reminder of our brutal past.
Renaturing this landscape must be mindful and sympathetic of its past including the last 200 years. It should not be for the purpose of beautification to make the island something which it is not. Professional historical arborists should be consulted to understand the nature of rewilding. Planting on the island should replicate the original vegetation which is evidenced today on the harbour headlands of Bradley’s Head, North Head and Middle Head. Endemic local plants, not introduced species such as palm trees, should be used. The ‘much needed habitat for local fauna’ needs local native flora to survive.
To inappropriately soften the landscape is to erase part of its history. This must not happen. Eight Precincts of Cockatoo Island
The Draft Concept Vision for Cockatoo Island outlines the layered history of the island in eight designated precincts. HPG’s response to the Vision for these precincts is outlined below.
1. ARRIVAL PRECINCT
The Precinct Overview:
Precinct Overview Arrival area of the island significantly renewed as an important space in its own right.
New visitor and interpretive information centre adjacent to a new public square and arrival space that promotes Convict, maritime and industrial history.
HPG considers this it is most important. The interpretative centre should cover information about the whole island.
Point of orientation and access to Tidal Terrace, Dog Leg Tunnel, Campground, Creative Precinct, The Plateau and Slipways.
New gardens, play spaces, amenities and pavilions.
HPG considers that a tidal terrace and play spaces are not appropriate for this precinct because of their lack of authentic interpretation of the island’s historical past. Any new gardens, amenities and pavilions should be visually inobtrusive, be built of sympathetic materials and have a soft footprint on the landscape.
Opportunities for commercial partnerships to deliver retail and dining experiences. HPG in principle supports the Overview.
Connecting with Country:
Wareamah visibly signed at entrance and dual language used wherever possible across the site. ▪ Audio welcome and storytelling from First Nations women.
Large, visible elements Acknowledging Country and the Traditional Owner groups provides information about historic and contemporary land use by these groups.
Design elements of the arrival experience to be Country inspired using native materials, and tones to be developed further with Traditional Owners.
Space or pavilion for smoking ceremonies to be used to welcome people to Country by Traditional Owners for gatherings and annual events.
Visitor app available to give users an interactive experience while walking Wareamah and learning stories of place.
Contemporary First Nations cultural expression tells the living and dynamic nature of Country. HPG supports these ideas in principle.
2. WAREAMAH TIDAL TERRACE
The Precinct Overview:
New major parkland with water at heart of the place that interprets the original foreshore and island edge.
HPG questions the proposal that the new major parkland does in fact interpret the original foreshore and island edge. HPG recognises that the foreshore of Cockatoo Island has been altered over time with infill to facilitate its maritime and industrial activities. However, it questions the efficacy of this parkland concept in healing Country and /or interpreting the history of the Island. Neither HPG nor the public have been advised which First Nations Advisory groups have endorsed this proposal.
Sydney Harbour is a drowned river valley with very deep water. It is more than likely that the coastline of Cockatoo Island mirrored that of nearby headlands where rocks come down to the water line. Cockatoo Island is a sandstone knoll surrounded by very deep water. In the absence of evidence from First Nations Groups and definitive geographical interpretation that the island’s geography included a tidal terrace, the concept should be dismissed.
The visual beautified depiction of the parkland is at odds with the character of the island as it stands today. It is not in keeping with the rawness of the Island, looks out of place and lacks authenticity.
Significant First Nations design input and interpretation deeply embedded in process and physical outcomes.
Agreed.
Tidal harbour water used on sandstone terrace providing new access to water and natural harbour habitat.
In addition to above comments there is a danger of pollution here. The severity of tides and tidal pull in the surrounding deep water, water safety, as well as the danger of disturbing hazardous material buried underwater offshore, must be considered.
New plantings, lawns and gardens provide shade.
Plantings must not detract from the magnificent sandstone wall – the man-made landscape must be seen. Any rejuvenation of the landscape must not soften the stories of the past and plantings must be strategic and reflect original species of vegetation. The scenic value of Cockatoo is a heritage value.
There are advantages in retaining the open terrace of the Eastern apron for major events, concerts etc. There is no comparable space in Sydney.
Significant tree canopy and ground permeability.
Has the extent of contamination on the island that has been capped in concrete been considered in preparing this vision? Disturbing the concrete may expose dangerous contaminants requiring costly removal.
New boardwalk links island harbour promenade.
If the tidal pool is not created this boardwalk is not necessary.
Links Creative Precinct to Arrival and Ferry Wharf.
Connecting with Country:
The Tidal Terrace offers opportunity of new connections to Country through nature-based play.
Clan poles rising out of the Tidal Terrace to be explored further in collaboration with Traditional Owners, marking the meeting point of the four clans.
Contemporary First Nations cultural expressions including artwork, performance and seasonal rituals express the living and dynamic nature of Country.
HPG does not support ‘nature-based play’ or the tidal Terrace but supports in principle the majority of the ideas of Connecting with Country.
3. CREATIVE PRECINCT
Upgrades to buildings and facilities, retaining the raw industrial feel.
HPG supports the proposed upgrades to building and facilities.
The visuals of the Creative Precinct in the Draft Concept Vision are garish and out of place with the character and values of the island. It must be remembered that Cockatoo Island is of National and World Heritage significance and its importance should not be distracted by inappropriate design elements.
The creative precinct has original convict sandstone buildings (p29). These must be retained in their existing form and modification limited. For example, the staircase on the back of the convict-era building looks inappropriate and should be removed.
History is embodied in these buildings; they are not just shells for creative projects. It is most important to preserve the sense of scale and interpret them appropriately as these areas are unique. An ideal tenant was Biennale. However creative work also includes inventions and engineers who would be appropriately located in such buildings.
It has been suggested that space should be given to artists to work downstairs in some of these buildings and offered accommodation upstairs. This should be available for artists of all ethnicities.
This would create a creative village atmosphere and bring new life back to the island. This has been done in many parts of the world.
There must be industrial interpretation e.g. the lathe in Turbine Hall! This lathe is massive and is unique. A suggestion has been made that a small working lathe be installed next to the original to show how it worked. Also, the size and structure of these buildings has engineering significance i.e. there is only one crane in Australia big enough to replicate such a building today.
Public domain upgrade to the north–south laneway.
Must be sympathetic to the industrial nature of the precinct.
Outdoor event and performance spaces.
At this end of the island there is a large open space with a crane as a background. This could make a great outdoor performance space for events.
Possible commercial partnerships to deliver new dining, retail and bars.
Agreed but retaining the industrial ambiance.
Significant increase in green space, trees and softscape.
Agreed - however, these must be in keeping with the general ambiance.
Connecting with Country:
Opportunity for permanent, contemporary First Nations artworks, murals and installations. The HPG supports the opportunity for First Nations artworks appropriately located.
Collaborations with First Nations artists to include residencies for artists with exhibitions to launch their work.
This facility should be made available to artists of all ethnicities.
Cross–programming with NAIDOC week and other events to promote regular calendar of First Nations activities.
Contemporary First Nations cultural expression tells the living and dynamic nature of Country. ▪ Commitments to First Nations business opportunities in the precinct including tourism, arts and hospitality.
HPG supports these ideas in principle.
4. FITZROY DOCK
Precinct Overview:
New exhibition spaces and public pavilion.
Existing buildings should be used for exhibition spaces rather than any new construction. Shelter, toilets and opportunities for commercial partnerships could be accommodated in existing buildings.
Potential partnership opportunity to add short-term accommodation to the existing mix
The short-term accommodation at 3 and 4 star level in the existing buildings is a possibility. It would be ideal for smaller conferences/work retreats/functions. However, it is important that the industrial ambiance of the buildings be retained in any refurbishment.
New dining, retail and bar facilities.
New lighting and public furniture.
New public domain and paving upgrades to apron and dock.
Any upgrades must be very sensitivity done. There must be interpretation of the convict-built dock. There is much to be proud of in its history – it was the biggest dry dock in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world when constructed with a massive metal lathe. Australia’s first steel warship was built here.
This dock as well as Cockatoo Dock could revert to working dockyards with the repair and correct placing of the caisson. There is currently a great need for repair facilities for shipping in Sydney Harbour. Boat ownership in Sydney has increased by 30% since Covid.
If this dock was restored to a working dry dock and maritime repair yard it would generate a permanent income for the Trust. This would involve repair of the caisson for it to be used as originally intended.
It has been suggested that the whole dockyard area become a maritime educational area with accommodation in the adjacent building. What better educational resource than to have a working dry dock next door!
Alternatively, if it cannot be restored to a working dry dock, some of the heritage fleet could be moored in Fitzroy dock as exhibits eg. The old Manly ferry Baragoola tied up at Balls Head/or the destroyer Vampire/ or submarine Onslow. Submarines were also repaired on Cockatoo Island.
Conversion to a swimming pool has been suggested but is most inappropriate at this site. ▪ Significant increase in green space, trees and softscape.
It is important for the public to immediately appreciate the historical and environmental value of this area as an important dock. The authenticity of the precinct must be maintained. A softening of the landscape though re-vegetation may detract from these values.
Permanent artworks integrated into new works.
Any permanent art installations must not detract from nor overwhelm the maritime and industrial nature of this precinct. Subject to the above comment HPG agrees with this.
Connecting with Country:
Opportunity for permanent, contemporary First Nations artworks, murals and installations. ▪ Contemporary First Nations cultural expressions tell the living and dynamic nature of Country
HPG agrees with this.
5. COCKATOO DOCKYARD
Precinct Overview:
Ongoing use as a working dockyard.
We are assured that the Sutherland Dock could be restored to a working dock with relatively minimum capital outlay. The caisson was repaired relatively recently. This is the most intact of maritime aprons: dry docks, industrial buildings, wharves, slipways, cranes etc and should be used to support maritime activities. We agree that this precinct with the Fitzroy Dock recognises and maintains the island’s industrial history and achievements, and the fundamental connection to water, travel and navigation. This must be maintained when considering any upgrades to buildings and facilities.
The double storey area for recreational boats is visually intrusive. HPG objected at the time it was installed.
Upgrades to buildings and facilities.
Public domain upgrades with access provided.
HPG supports these two initiatives.
Partnership opportunities for new buildings and equipment to support maritime activities.
An apprentice training centre in industrial maritime skills could be located here. There are adequate buildings when refurbished to accommodate such a school. The HPG does not believe there is a necessity for the construction of new buildings.
Connecting with Country:
Opportunity for permanent, contemporary First Nations artworks, murals and installations.
First Nations economic opportunities including business and procurement.
Waterways and oceans management that harness First Nations knowledge and resources.
Encourage related First Nations businesses to locate and operate from Cockatoo Dockyard
Any permanent art installations must not detract from nor overwhelm the maritime and industrial nature of this precinct. In all other respects HPG supports these initiatives.
6. THE PLATEAU
Precinct Overview:
World Heritage assets protected, and the visitor experience enhanced through interpretation and curatorial approaches.
The plateau has a convict gaol etc on western end; workshops built on quarry yard; on east is group of residences and gardens. The sense of harshness and brutality must be kept and not softened. We agree the World Heritage assets must be protected and visitor experiences enhanced through interpretation and cultural approaches.
The convict UNESCO classified sandstone buildings must be professionally and faithfully restored. They are deteriorating and need attention.
Public domain upgrades around the Convict Gaol and Central Plateau Campus and rationalisation of paths and gardens.
Any upgrades must be mindful of the world significance of this precinct.
Potential for investment in workshops for a range of potential uses such as education/training facilities and short-term accommodation.
There is the opportunity here in the other buildings such as the Joiners and Pattern Shops to have an education centre (TAFE perhaps) or low-cost accommodation.
A suggestion was made at one of the Walkshops that the model of WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) be set up to give young people accommodation in exchange for their work in restoring and working on the buildings. Habitat for Humanity Australia was also mentioned where volunteers work on restoration or projects.
Upgrades to buildings, infrastructure and facilities including lifts, stairs and ramps. ▪ New furniture, seating and lighting.
An increase in green space, trees and softscape.
It is important not to soften the rawness of the precinct to make it something it was not and never has been.
Permanent and temporary artworks in existing spaces.
As this precinct includes World Heritage convict buildings, artworks should only be located within existing buildings so as not to detract from the exterior appearance of this important precinct.
Connecting with Country:
Use the east end of the plateau to demonstrate native and endemic rewilding, creating an Eora Garden.
The Plateau could include areas which are rewilded with native grasses, with native edible gardens alongside. These could be harvested for a unique restaurant which could include a seasonal menu of bush tucker inspired foods.
Opportunities for First Nation urban market gardener to oversee the gardens and run workshops and tours which tie in with the use of the area as an education space.
A native plant nursery could be operated which hosts workshops on native edibles, plantings and sells seedlings and plants on market days.
Opportunity for permanent, contemporary First Nations artworks, murals and installations in landscape.
HPG does not agree that First Nations artworks, murals and installations are appropriate in the World Heritage precinct for the reasons stated above. In all other respects HPG agrees with these suggestions.
Central Plateau Campus:
The HPG agrees with the suggestions of a Campus Overview and Connecting with Country.
Eastern Plateau Overview:
Public domain upgrades and rationalisation of paths and gardens with improvements to access. . ▪ Increase in endemic and native species to supplement fauna habitat.
HPG agrees with public domain upgrades of paths. However, there is too much ‘landscaping’ on the northern side pictured in the draft concept vision in front of historic Biloela House
Continue a mix of uses including accommodation, dining, exhibition and gathering spaces.
Biloela House is Old Colonial Georgian in style. It is "L" shaped, and the small cottage adjacent is rectangular, thus the two form a courtyard. It could used for a high-end restaurant, accommodation and/or cultural activity.
Connecting with Country:
Celebrate the Tent Embassy site and mural.
HPG agrees that this history should be known and celebrated.
Use the east end of the plateau to demonstrate native and endemic rewilding to create an Eora Garden.
Plant areas which are rewilded with native grasses, and native food gardens nearby for use in island restaurants.
First Nations gardeners could oversee the process with workshops and tours that could build on the use of Upper Island as an outdoor classroom.
A native plant nursery could be operated which hosts workshops on native edibles and local plants and sells plants on market days.
Encourage related First Nations businesses to locate and operate on the Upper Island.
HPG agrees with these suggestions.
7. SLIPWAYS PLAYGROUND
Slipways Overview:
Large and significant public playground and park precinct for all ages.
It is important to have a play area close to the campground and easily accessible for campers. The basic principle of a playground on Cockatoo Island should be both to link back to the natural and historic environment and also be educational.
HPG does not however agree that the slipways should be given over to a playground. The harbourside playground would be much more appropriately located on the reclaimed vacant land on the western end of the island north of the slipways. It is important to retain at least one of the slipways for its original purpose. This is essential to give small craft e.g., kayaks a safe place to land and launch their boats as they currently do. It is important for visitors to be able to appreciate the purpose and use of these slipways. At present the skeleton boat lying in a cradle at the top of Slipway No 1 is a powerful visual lesson of the historical function of this shipbuilding slipway.
New pedestrian bridges across the Slipways provides a continuous harbourside promenade around the island.
The pedestrian promenade on the northern side of the island should not continue across the water end of the slipways. This will severely limit the any future adaptive re-use of these slipways by various craft, kayaks etc. The promenade also intrudes on the interpretation of the slipways and interrupts the western harbour views from the Island. The promenade should be redirected.
Extensive swings and rope play, climbing areas, flying foxes, sand and water play and wild play located in Slipway No.1 using First Nations stories, industrial relics, and element from the site.
The slipways tell their own story and should be appropriately adapted to interpret that story. ‘Swings and rope play, climbing areas, flying foxes, sand, water and wild play ‘do not interpret the maritime past values of this precinct.
Most industrial relics and elements should be left in location with interpretation explaining their previous uses. Any play equipment installed in an alternate location should be in organic colours and materials, preferably with a nautical emphasis, that complement the maritime, industrial environment.
Educational, sensory and exploratory gardens, grasslands, rain gardens located on Slipway No.2. HPG does not agree with this location for the gardens.
Significant increase in green space, trees, shades, gardens and softscape.
New picnic structures, sunshade and furniture.
All of the above would be more appropriately located on the northern boundary of the island next to the slipways.
Connecting with Country:
A multi–use fire circle located between Slipways, Playground and the Campground.
Waterways and oceans management focus that harnesses First Nations knowledge and resources.
Use the east end of the Slipways to demonstrate native endemic rewilding.
The Slipways should not be rewilded. In any event professional historical arborists should be consulted to ensure that native endemic rewilding is authentic
Opportunity for permanent, contemporary First Nations artworks, interpretation
Subject to comments above, HPG agrees with the suggestions for Connecting to Country for this precinct.
The Powerhouse is ideal for functions/restaurant, with the brick chimney a marvellous feature. Children and visitors are interested in the intact infrastructure of the Powerhouse. It could be used for high-end hospitality and wedding receptions with some heavy machinery still in place as in the Boilerhouse Restaurant in Quarantine Station. This retains the original industrial purpose and ambiance of the building.
Wedding reception venues are in high demand in Sydney. This would provide a permanent income for the Trust.
8. COCKATOO CAMPGROUND
Campground Overview:
Camping facilities to remain available.
It is most important for the camping facilities to be available to the public and be kept affordable. Many schools and organizations eg. Scouts, church youth groups, etc use these facilities and it provides an income for the Trust. It gives opportunity for people from all socioeconomic groups to be able to enjoy and stay on the island.
Some sites should be upgraded with base platforms for tents making them more comfortable in wet weather.
Increase planting and gardens to create a more bushland setting for visitors.
Demarcation of types of camping eg school camps, glamping, etc. is needed with more vegetation plantings for privacy. These should be native plants.
Connecting with Country:
A multi–use fire circle located between the Slipways Playground and the Campground.
Opportunity for permanent, contemporary First Nations artworks, murals and interpretation.
The HPG agrees with these suggestions.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay is a major tourist attraction. It is not a theme park. People visit Alcatraz because it is authentic and a San Francisco “must see”. Like Cockatoo Island it has heritage listing and a layered history all compressed into a small area.
A key objective of Cockatoo/Wareamah’s re-birth should be to bring the place alive. Visitors should come away with a better understanding and appreciation of our indigenous culture, and our colonial, military and maritime history. Perhaps realising how justice and common humanity can ultimately triumph over injustice and exploitation.
Cockatoo Island/Warearmah can help Australians of all ages to understand, appreciate and learn.
For this to happen:
The whole island must become an interpretive visitor’s centre. One where captivating experiential learning becomes entertainment.
Repurposing and repair of existing buildings and function centres etc. must be for interpretation and revenue generation.
The brutalist ambiance and authenticity of the island must be maintained. This is an essential element of the learning/educational experience.
It is incumbent on the Trust to protect and preserve the legacy still left on Cockatoo Island/Wareamah for all Australians. The island must speak for itself! It evidences our indigenous culture, where we have come from, what we have done and what we have been. The heritage, rawness, setting and natural beauty captures the imagination. Overwhelmingly the activation of the island must always respect and honour these values.
Jill L’Estrange
President
Headland Preservation Group
25 June 2021