The day that changed Middle Head

by Jill L'Estrange
President, Headland Preservation Group

Twenty-five years ago, a significant but low-key event took place on the northern shores of Sydney Harbour. There, on 15 February 1997, the NSW Premier Bob Carr, a staunch environmentalist, announced that the NSW Government would not allow residential or commercial development of the precious open spaces on Middle Head and Georges Heights.

This simple statement would have permanent beneficial ramifications for future generations of Australians. As Bob Carr said, "This is a once in a millennium opportunity…you don't hesitate; you seize the hour… you grab the land for future generations."

In February 1997 the NSW Premier Bob Carr made a surprise visit to Middle Head to announce that Middle Head was publicly owned land and should remain in public ownership. ABOVE: Bob Carr (2nd from left) with (L-R) Headland Preservation Group representatives Martin Skipper, Linda Bergin OAM and Don Goodsir OAM.

At the time of this announcement, the Department of Defence was in the process of vacating the Commonwealth-owned lands around Sydney Harbour. Until Mr Carr's announcement, all three tiers of government – federal, state and local – had agreed to sell off large tracts of these nationally and culturally significant sites around Sydney Harbour. The money realised from the sale of this land, from the development of 120 (previously mooted 300) houses and a large sports complex, would fund the relocation of military personnel and operations.

In late 1996, a small band of concerned local residents led by Don Goodsir, Linda Bergin, Peter Jones and Martin Skipper, formed the Headland Preservation Group (HPG). The sole aim and focus were the preservation of Middle Head and Georges Heights as open space for the enjoyment of all Australians. To present a united front to Government, HPG also joined with other like-minded community groups to form The Defenders of Sydney Harbour Foreshores led by Phil Jenkyn.

As a result of HPG advocacy, supporters quickly grew to over 3000 vocal community members who lobbied Federal and State governments to save these Crown and State lands from development. These efforts paid off.

ABOVE: HPG’s formation in late 1996 was followed by numerous public meetings, submissions, letter writing, letter box drops and also advertisements. The ad above was placed in the Mosman Daily just prior to Bob Carr’s announcement.

Just imagine how this iconic headland would look today were it not for the intervention and the concerted efforts of a small, determined community group. Consider the impact of a built suburban environment on land which holds the early history of this nation.

This land, which the Gai-mariagal people occupied for at least 3,700 years, was the site of continuous military occupation for over 200 years and boasts an extraordinary natural beauty. These unique values would have been lost forever. Instead, they have been preserved and conserved.

ABOVE: Iconic lands at Middle Head and Georges Heights saved from sale for housing development 25 years ago.

In September 1998, the Prime Minister John Howard made the momentous announcement that the Commonwealth Government would retain all the ex-Defence lands to be held in trust for the people of Australia. He announced the formation and initial funding of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which would ensure the protection of the foreshores of Sydney Harbour and the conservation of its history for all Australians to enjoy.

HPG has continued its advocacy over the past 25 years in the ongoing effort to contribute to this preservation and to safeguard against regulatory and legislative changes which might adversely impact the future of Trust lands.

In 2019, when the Commonwealth Government announced a Review of the Harbour Trust, it was not widely appreciated that the future of the Harbour Trust was not secure. After strong representation from HPG and its supporters, in 2021, the Government agreed that the lands should remain in Commonwealth ownership, in perpetuity, under the management of the Harbour Trust, with existing legislative protections in place.

The Government also agreed not to extend lease terms and that restrictions be imposed upon leases over 25 years with no lease to be entered into over 35 years. This provision will hopefully safeguard against Trust lands being carved up for inappropriate private exclusive use. Thanks to HPG, these amendments passed through Parliament unopposed – a rare event indeed.

The Trust lands are unique and so valuable that there will always be pressure by commercial and other vested interests to chip away at the edges. That's why we must remain vigilant. If we aren't, our children will wake up one morning to find they have been robbed.

Throughout the last 2 years of the pandemic, we have seen the importance of this land for the well-being of society. Amongst other things, it has provided a place of respite and quiet reflection, a chance to reconnect with the beauty of the natural environment, a place for people to meet, reconnect and enjoy those age-old family activities such as kicking a ball or flying a kite.

Twenty-five years on from Bob Carr's announcement, it is timely for HPG to publicly thank its members and supporters for their continued support in ensuring the protection and conservation of these very important lands.