1979

Fraser-Wran agreement – In 1979 the then Prime Minister Hon Malcom Fraser MP and the NSW Premier Hon Neville Wran MP reached an agreement in relation to the transfer of Defence Department land to the NSW Government which had become surplus to Commonwealth Government requirements. The agreement saw the transfer of 38.3 ha of land at Middle Head, 172.9 ha at North Head, 6.7 ha at South Head, and 46.43 ha at Dobroyd Head to the State.

1999

13 March 1999 – The Environment Minister Senator Robert Hill announced the creation of the Interim Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. Kevin McCann, an HPG Member, was appointed Chair of the Interim Trust. The Commonwealth Government began drafting the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Bill 1999.
READ SENATOR ROBERT HILL’S MEDIA RELEASE →

April 1999 – HPG undertook research on the Presidio Trust model and conferenced with the Presidio Board in San Francisco. On 27 April 1999, Linda Bergin presented a paper to the National Trust NSW entitled, "Sydney Harbour Defence Sites – Lessons from the United States".

27 May 1999 – HPG met with Senators of the Australian Democrats, who at the time held the balance of power in the Federal Senate. 

15 August 1999 – an exposure draft of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Bill 1999 (Bill) was released for public comment. In September 1999, HPG made a Submission on the Bill. 

8 December 1999 – the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Bill was introduced into the Senate and referred to a Senate Committee on the same day.

2000

28 January 2000 – HPG made a Submission to the Senate Committee.

29 March 2000 – The Senate Committee hearings were held, Linda Bergin and Don Goodsir gave evidence on behalf of HPG.

3 April 2000 – The Senate Committee Report was released, which recommended passage of the Bill but with recommendations. HPG's recommendations are reflected in Recommendations 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the Senate Committee's recommendations.

April 2000 – HPG and the Defenders sought support of non-government Senators to defer debate on the Bill so that amendments proposed by community and councils could be drafted. Linda Bergin and Don Goodsir HPG, Phil Jenkyn representing the Defenders, and various people from Hunters Hill Council, Mosman Council (Mayor Patricia Harvey), and Manly Council, drafted extensive amendments to the Bill that were presented to Senator Hill. Australian Democrats met with the Commonwealth Government regarding the proposed amendments prepared by HPG in cooperation with the Defenders and Hunters Hill Council, Mosman Council, and Manly Council.

May 2000 – HPG’s Vision for the Future is outlined in an HPG Newsletter:

“It is to be expected that outstanding architects will have "interesting views" of things which can be done with the Headland and the other unique Harbour sites. “

“The job of HPG, however, will be to consider whether these views accord with our views of desirable future uses. It will not be our aim to be hidebound and inflexible, but we must consider whether the uses fit with our considered approach, which firstly is that the Headland is to be considered as an entity, and not as a group of different buildings and structures separated by various pieces of bushland and playing fields.”

VIEW HPG’S MAY 2000 NEWSLETTER HERE →

2001

1 March 2001 – the interim Trust Chairman Kevin McCann wrote to HPG: “expressing sincere gratitude for the work that you and others did in securing the passage of the legislation…. Our next challenge is to secure adequate funding for the Trust and I look forward to working with you on this stage of our defence of these precious lands.”

26 May 2001 to 2 September 20021– An Exhibition called ‘Sites Unseen: exploring the future of Trust lands on Sydney Harbour’ was staged at Customs House. The exhibition outlined the qualities of each of the sites, from their natural ecology through to built elements and their history. The aim was to raise awareness of the sites and to stimulate public discussion about the potential of these lands. An average of about 250 people visited the exhibition each day, with numbers reaching 550 on weekend days.
READ THE EXHIBITION BROCHURE →

20 September 2001 – the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was established (following assent of the Act on 20 March 2001).
READ THE ACT HERE →

In 2001 – HPG commenced a large campaign (that ran until 2003) against a large proposed development, "Bungaree Recreation Park" at the One Commando Company Trust site on the ridgeline of Georges Heights. The proposal included the transfer of this Trust land to Council ownership. HPG strongly opposed this as it was contrary to the Act and HPG supported the Trust's planners who recommended demolition of One Commando buildings and opening up the ridgeline to open parkland.

The Mosman Council proposal was eventually defeated. Later, in 2006, the One Commando buildings were demolished, which opened up the ridgeline views. HPG's campaign played a large part in ensuring the plans for demolition of the buildings was realised. 
SEE CAMPAIGN DETAILS HERE →

2006

9 November 2006 – The HPG AGM held on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Headland Preservation Group. Meetings continued to be well attended and at this AGM HPG made a special presentation to Geoff Bailey Executive Director of the Sydney Harbour Trust with a copy of the first submission made by HPG regarding the Headland.

2007

24 September 2007 – As a result of HPG's and The Mosman Parks and Bushland Associations’s campaigning, and in particular HPG's then President Don Goodsir's personal appeal to the Prime Minister, the operation of the Act was extended to 19 September 2033.

2009

31 March 2009 – Closing date for the The Harbour Trust’s first call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 10 Terminal complex on Middle Head, for a range of uses.

2011

29 April 2011 – Closing date for Harbour Trust’s second call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 10 Terminal complex, this time for a Boutique Hotel.

24 May 2011 – A new Chair, Anthea Tinney, was appointed to the Trust board. 

2012

22 March 2012 – A final AGM was held by the HPG, before being wound down. The AGM was preceded by the unveiling of the Don Goodsir Memorial Seat by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of NSW. Governor Bashir and Linda Bergin OAM gave the keynote speeches at the unveiling. Linda Bergin gave an address on Don's leadership of the HPG. Ms Tinney, the new Chair of the Trust also attended the HPG unveiling. Governor Bashir attended the reception following, which celebrated the achievements of the HPG. 
READ LINDA BERGIN’S SPEECH HERE →

Kevin McCann, founding Chair of the Trust did not attend the final AGM but had sent a letter on 16 March 2012, which stated that “The outcome of the collaboration with the HPG was the establishment of a Trust and funding from the Federal Government and an excellent plan which enabled the preservation of a wonderful heritage site and area of open space."

Unbeknown to former HPG members, early in 2012 the Harbour Trust was considering a proposal that would threaten the future of Middle Head and result in the reformation of HPG to campaign against the proposal to develop a large private aged care facility.

May 2012 – Middle Head and Headland Park sites were advertised in a China Marketing brochure by Austrade.

July 2012 – Middle Head Healthcare received approval in NSW for an 86 bed license.

August 2012 – A further EOI for 10 Terminal for a Boutique Hotel closed on 6 August 2012. Three applicants were considered by the Trust Tenant Selection Committee.

26 November 2012 – Middle Head Healthcare Pty Ltd was registered with ASIC.

December 2012 – Trust Board Minutes – Lease Concept Brief Paper – the Trust resolved to move to the next stage of negotiations with a company called Continuing Health Care – Middle Head. ‘Aged care” and ‘10 Terminal’ were not mentioned in Minutes.

2013

June 2013 – Trust Board Minutes – Proposal by Continuing Health Care Middle Head – The Harbour Trust resolved to move to the next stage. There was still no mention of ‘10 Terminal’ or ‘aged care’. Board approved draft changes to Middle Head Management Plan to be placed on public exhibition, to accommodate the proposal.

31 October 2013 – Aged Care proposal placed on public exhibition. Applicant is Middle Head Healthcare Pty Ltd. Draft changes to the Middle Head Management Plan are also placed on public exhibition. The Harbour Trust invites submissions on an amendment to the Draft Management Plan to allow a proposed residential care development with a long ground lease (25 years), for the Barracks Buildings and 10 Terminal on Middle Head, beyond the period covered by the Act with a reuse that is not adaptive – something the Trust has never done before.

26 November 2013 – Public Information Session held by the Trust at 10 Terminal. Before the meeting, former HPG members come together with other Save Middle Head supporters and outside 10 Terminal signed up over 200 people, who wanted to be kept in the loop about the proposal, many of whom became long term supporters and volunteers for the ongoing campaign. At the meeting, Geoff Bailey The Trust's Executive Director and Nick Hollow Deputy Executive Director seemed to favour the aged care proposal. Nick Hollow says Middle Head Health Care (MHHC) is their "preferred proponent."

5 December 2013 – A group of concerned residents, the Save Middle Head Group, held their first Public Meeting attended by over 200 people with the majority of community members opposed to the Aged Care development. The Group argued that the development proposal was for a large scale new residential development instead of an adaptive reuse limited to open space and park purposes.
READ THE SAVE MIDDLE HEAD GROUP’S PRESENTATION →

11 December 2013 – Closing date for submissions to the Trust from the public commenting on the proposed Aged Care development. Many members of the community made their submissions available for publication and also wrote their concerns to the local press.
READ HIGHLIGHTS OF PUBLISHED COMMUNITY COMMENTS →

11 December 2013 – the Trust held its Public (open) Board Meeting at the Trust Head Office, an estimated 130 community members attended, the majority of them strongly against the proposal.

26 Dec 2013 – Save Middle Head volunteers conducted a Boxing Day Petition Drive, hundreds of people visiting Middle Head to view the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race signed up and subscribed to further campaign updates.

2014

23 January 2014 – 2nd Save Middle Head Public Meeting was attended by almost 200 people from the community, with standing room only, the majority against the proposal, many donated funds to support the ongoing campaign and seek legal advice.

February 2014 – The Abbott Government issues ‘Report of the National Commission of Audit’ – in what can be seen as a step leading up to a review it states “The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust should be transferred to the New South Wales Government or consolidated into the department as part of the Director of National Parks function and be reviewed to ensure its land holdings are being appropriately managed and utilised.”

February 2014 – The Headland Preservation Group is officially reformed as a legal entity – the Headland Preservation Group Inc.

20 February 2014 – 3rd Public Meeting held by the officially reformed HPG. Speakers included Ms Ilona Millar, Special Counsel Baker & McKenzie legal firm, who stated that the Aged Care plans were unlawful and that "the development application is not consistent with the comprehensive plan, nor is it consistent with the Middle Head management plan even if that plan were to get amended as proposed."

24 February 2014 – A petition of 1874 signatories against the proposed Aged Care development lodged to the House of Representatives.

3 March 2014 – The Trust announces that the proponents will not develop both sides of the road and restrict the Aged Care development to the 10 Terminal buildings. The Trust also announces that the proposal is being referred under the EPBC Act. Once that process is complete, the proposal will come back to the Trust under its own Act for further consultation.

4 March 2014 – Mosman Council unanimous resolution against the Aged Care proponents first proposal. Mosman Council moved that the proposed facility be rejected despite a last minute request from the Harbour Trust that Mosman Council not vote on the Motion at its meeting. NOTE: although Mosman Council is not a consenting authority on any of the land managed by the Trust it obviously represents the community that surrounds the Middle Head and Georges Heights precincts.

22 March 2014 – Sydney Morning Herald front page story "Sydney 'for sale': prime locations up for grabs" revealed that three of the Trust sites (Middle Head, Georges heights and North Head) were available for lease and redevelopment to Chinese investors, in a 2012 marketing document found on a Chinese government website.
READ MARKETING DOCUMENT HERE →

24 Mar 2014 – A second petition with 442 additional signatories opposing the proposed Aged Care development to be added to the first petition lodged to the House of Representatives. 

10 April 2014 – 4th HPG Public Meeting speakers included Colonel Geoff Brown PhD RAASC/RACT (retired) who spoke on the military heritage of the Middle Head precinct. The Trust's Executive Director, Geoff Bailey, attended this meeting and answered questions. Bailey said that the aged care proposal was selected because it was the most appropriate, the least interventionist, would have the least impact on the headland and would maximise public access. But the proposal did not comply with Management Plan for Middle Head, which is why the Trust was seeking to amend the plan to fit the aged care home proposal.

30 Apr 2014 – MHHC referred a revised DA to EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) for the first step, being controlled action or not. There were only 2 weeks for the community to come to grips with both EPBC and with new detailed and complex aged care home plans.

6 May 2014 – Mosman Council passed a unanimous resolution that the proposal by MHHC be deemed a controlled action and that a full environmental and heritage assessment be undertaken.

8 May 2014 – 5th HPG Public Meeting held to consider the 'new' revised MHHC proposal, that now is only on the southern side of Middle Head Road, but will result in almost total demolition of 10 Terminal and require firewalls for bushfire protection.

14 May 2014 – Closing date for submissions to have the MHHC proposal subject to a full assessment under EPBC. 462 submissions were made.

27 May 2014 – Aged Care EPBC decision – Referral deemed Controlled Action by Environment Minister Hunt.

7 June 2014 – The Sydney Harbour Trust Public (open) Board Meeting at the Trust Head Office. The room was filled to capacity with community members. Julie Goodsir outlined an alternate concept for use of the 10 Terminal site that followed the Trust's original vision and intent.

7 July 2014 – Aged Care EPBC decision – assessed by Preliminary Documentation, Invitation to Comment.

17 July 2014 – 6th HPG Public Meeting.

27 July 2014 – A Public Rally held at Middle Head was attended by 400 people!

3 August 2014 – Deadline for submissions under EPBC and the Trust Acts combined on the proposed development. A complex process that required clear instructions so that community members could make their submissions to both the Department of the Environment and the Trust and have them accepted as valid. HPG also made a very detailed submission that included expert heritage and fire safety reports.
READ THE FULL SUBMISSION HERE →

5 August 2014 – Mosman Council unanimously rejects the aged care proposal for 10 Terminal a second time!

12 Sep 2014 – HPG meets with Greg Hunt and Trent Zimmerman, who agreed to look at an alternative proposal for 10 Terminal.

16 Sep 2014 – Sydney Harbour Federation Trust approved the new Management Plan, the aged care Development Application, and the agreement to the lease (this was unknown to anyone until early November).

21 Sep 2014 – HPG online petition drive. HPG volunteers sign up almost 2000 people on iPads, with many opting for email updates.

24 Sep 2104 – HPG sends a preliminary alternate proposal outline to Greg Hunt.

13 October 2014 – At the invitation of Greg Hunt, Minister for the Environment, HPG presents a substantial final alternative proposal for a cultural interpretive centre in keeping with the original vision and intent for the site so that “10 Terminal could be adaptively re-­used in a way that fully complies with and furthers the objects of the Trust and its Strategic Plans: in particular to ‘protect, conserve and interpret the environmental and heritage values of Trust land’ and to “maximise public access” to the land.”

HPG also proposed the concept of locating an Education Field Study Environmental Centre in 10 Terminal that would offer NSW students the opportunity to visit Middle Head and learn more about the early settlement of Sydney Harbour, Australia’s military history, indigenous culture, Sydney Harbour’s marine environment and geography.

23 October 2014 – Approval for the aged care proposal is granted by the Department of the Environment, announced by the Minister, the Trust, and Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Despite all approvals in place, HPG continues to campaign against the aged care development.

24 October 2014 – Sydney Morning Herald publishes article titled "Tony Abbott’s sister opposes government's approval of Middle Head aged care"

6 November 2014 – 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones takes up the campaign against residential aged care development on Middle Head.

11 November 2014 – 7th HPG Public Meeting held on Remembrance Day in the Mosman RSL Auditorium. Over 250 people heard about the alternate proposal that presented to Minister Hunt. 

16 November 2014 – HPG Save Middle Head Rally and March. Despite early rain, about 300 people turned up to demonstrate that the community is not in favour of the development. 

7 December 2014 – 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones visits Middle Head and meets with HPG members.

9 December 2014 – Trust Board Meeting in public.

21 December 2014 – Abbott announces Ministry reshuffle.

23 December 2014 – Bob Baldwin MP replaces Senator Birmingham in charge of the Harbour Trust.

23 December 2104 – 2 hour meeting at 10 Terminal with Alan Jones, Environment Minister Greg Hunt, Trust Executive Director Geoff Bailey, and representatives of HPG.

2015

3 February 2015 – Mosman Council unanimous resolution that the Mayor write to the Prime Minister seeking his direct intervention to request that the Federal Department of Environment review its decision to approve the facility. Council also resolved to write to the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services seeking an urgent meeting between the Minister, Council and the Headland Preservation Group to discuss bushfire issues relevant to Middle Head.

5 March 2015 – News reports that Bob Baldwin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, confirms that aged care approval is ‘under review.’

March 2015 – EDO NSW represents Headland Preservation Group Inc in its challenge to the approval of a private aged care facility on public land on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour and commenced Federal Court proceedings against the Trust, its Executive Director, and developer Middle Head Healthcare Pty Ltd, seeking judicial review of the Trust's decision to approve a development by Middle Head Healthcare Pty Ltd of a private aged care facility on public land at 10 Terminal, Middle Head, on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour.

7 May 2015 – The Abbott government withdrew its previous approval of the MHHC lease (Trust Act lease past end of life of Trust), citing the Objects of the Trust Act. The aged care home could not proceed.

19 May 2015 – 8th HPG Public Meeting.

August 2015 – Proposed plastic grass for Middle Head and/or Georges Heights Ovals – Mosman Council asks for community feedback on the possibility of replacing the natural grass ovals at Middle Head and/or Georges Heights with a “synthetic playing field”, i.e. artificial turf. HPG’ submission upholds sporting and recreational uses of the ovals but does not support replacing natural grass with plastic grass.

12 November 2015 – Mosman Council defers its plans for plastic grass until the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and the National Parks and Wildlife Service commence a joint planning process in 2016.

20 November 2015 – EDO and HPG successfully secured an undertaking from the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (the Trust), on a 'without admission' basis, that it would not issue any planning approval in relation to the proposal for a private aged care development on public land at Middle Head in Sydney Harbour.

2016

8 March 2016 – Mosman Council resolved to “support installation of a synthetic grass field at Middle Head Oval” and "request the Trust (SHFT) to accept a Development Application (DA)...and, if agreed, an application be ...lodged".

HPG urges its members and supporters to write to the Trust, Council and relevant ministers demanding that Middle Head Oval be kept in its natural state and that the Harbour Trust refuse to invite a DA from Mosman Council.

16 June 2016 – Trust board meeting – discussion regarding the future of the Trust after 2033 and its current inability to access funds from the sale of land in Markham Close. In early 2016 the Trust in a report for the Prime Minister (that was never seen nor mentioned in minutes) that funds “well over $100 million” were needed, and flagging changes to the Act to allow leases greater than 25 years.

3 November 2016 – Draft Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Management Plan – Mosman No 7 (Middle Head) Amendment No 2 (the “Draft Management Plan”), was released for public comment.

HPG’s response is that “after 13 years since the statutory Comprehensive Plan was approved there has been minimal action addressing education and interpretation of the unique combination of military and indigenous history of the area and no action on a visitors’ centre. This is totally unacceptable. There must be a specific location set aside to acknowledge the Headland Park’s importance in Australia’s indigenous, military, natural, cultural and built heritage.”

16 December 2016 – The NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Service) Master Plan for Middle head “seeks to reconcile their fundamental values with a level of access to increase visitation and usage”. HPG expressed concerns about the increased use of Middle Head for commercial and public events which have little to do with the traditional values of a national park.

2017

June 2017 – The Trust approves its Amended Middle Head Management Plan – HPG considers it a considerable improvement and much more aligned to the Trust's Comprehensive Plan that the Draft. However, there are concerns that there is much general wording and a lack of detail and progress on some important matters.

11 October 2017 – HPG holds a public meeting to draw public attention the major changes taking place at Middle Head, including proposed synthetic turf on Middle Head Oval and the Trust’s plans for 10 Terminal. HPG continues its campaign for Mosman Council to consider better management approaches to maintain the natural grass on Middle Head Oval.

14 November 2017 – Mosman Council decides to cease work on a DA for synthetic turf on Middle Head Oval until further consideration can be given to the cost of proceeding with the DA, and to review natural grass alternatives.

5 December 2017 – Mosman Council votes 5 to 2 against proceeding with a Development Application for synthetic turf on Middle Head Oval. Instead it voted to provide a new best practice natural surface with a commitment to increase playing time capacity for sport. The decision is the culmination of a lot of hard work within HPG.

2018

Mid 2008 – PwC completed a report for the Trust that (based on historical costs) it would take an estimated $300 million to fix the Trust’s assets (buildings, infrastructure, parklands, and any further remediation, eg asbestos).

From September 2018 – Trust staff worked on a Cockatoo Island Vision Refresh including engaging architects.

December 2018 – the Trust Board decided to prioritise the vision for Cockatoo Island 'including engagement with the CAC, indigenous leaders, military leaders and tourism leaders prior to the March 2019 board meeting. The Board notes the fudning constraints facing the Harbour Trust and the “need to prioritise a focus on philanthrophy and coprorate sponsorship.”

2019

5 March 2019 – A Mosman council report says there is “ample spare land” on Trust land. HPG recognises that the environmental, health, traffic and national amenity value of Middle Head will need vigorous defending in the face of any such pressure to utilise Mosman's perceived "ample unused land"in the future.

30 April 2019 – HPG holds a public meeting to address the Trust’s Draft Recreation Strategy seeking to increase active recreation opportunities in Headland Park and ‘potential new recreation facilities’. HPG expressed significant concerns relating to fundamental threats to the core values of Headland Park.

30 October 2019 – the Commonwealth Government announced an Independent Review of the Harbour Trust. The closing date for submissions, 23 December 2019, was not well advertised and only appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on 15 November. The review will consider the Trust’s “legislative, financial and governance arrangements” and identify pathways to maximise public access to its sites on Sydney Harbour.

The Trust was set up as an interim body and set to expire in 2033, this was becoming an impediment for the Trust in oder to manage assets and the commercial aspects of leasing. If unresolved the Trust would not be able to enter into viable leasing terms.

November 2019 – HPG recognises that actions taken by the Trust on on Cockatoo Island will be pivotal for the future direction of all Trust lands. HPG learns of a proposal from the Cockatoo Island Foundation, formed as a registered charity, to lease the whole island.

9 December 2019 – The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has warned that “remediation remediation of iconic former Defence sites around Sydney Harbour could cost up to an extra $300 million and funding shortages might mean having to close off some areas to the public.”

HPG president Jill L’Estrange is interviewed on ABC Radio – HPG believes the Trust is looking at amendment of the legislation and at whether the balance between commercialisation and preserving heritage and environment should be altered, which suggests that commercialisation of Trust lands would be the only way to provide future funding.

15 December 2019 – HPG makes a submission to the Review – HPG considers that the Trust should continue as an ongoing entity in perpetuity with current protections in place.

2020

30 January 2020 – In a strange timing coincidence, the Harbour Trust has placed on exhibition a Draft Harbour Trust Leasing Policy 2020, even though the Review of the Trust has not been completed. The draft policy dovetails neatly with the intentions of the Harbour Trust in relation to unsolicited proposals from private interests, long leases and approval without parliamentary scrutiny. HPG considers that this de facto privatisation from unsolicited long-term leases leads to alienation of the public lands that hitherto have been carefully protected. Submissions originally closed 29 May, later extended to 15 July.
READ HPG’S SUBMISSION HERE >

31 January 2020 – Following extensive lobbying the Deadline for the Independent Review of the Harbour Trust was extended to 31 January 2020. HPG conducted a focused communications campaign to raise awareness and request more public consultation. HPG met with federal and state politicians and the independent reviewers, Ms Carolyn McNally and Ms Erin Flaherty.

13 February 2020 – The Harbour Trust makes its own submission to the Independent Review proposing that the Government consider providing flexibility for the Harbour Trust to enter into long term leases (up to 49 years).
VIEW THE HARBOUR TRUST SUBMISSION HERE →

16 February 2020 – The Cockatoo Island Foundation Limited in its submission to the Independent Review makes a bid to lease Cockatoo Island. The not-for-profit foundation was registered with the charities commission in May 2019 but revealed that they started negotiations with the trust from mid 2016. Their aim was to develop Cockatoo Island as an art park but also planned an unspecified degree of commercialisation. For a return of $1.6 million per year, the Foundation also sought $200 million funding. The proposal did not sound like a generous act of philanthropy.

18 February 2020 – After an outcry from HPG and the wider community, the Government conducts another public forum. Under pressure of the large number of registrations the Department has expanded the capacity at the venue with more than 300 people attending, however many people were turned away. The Minister for the Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley MP spoke briefly but took no questions.

There was unanimous support for the Trust to remain in perpetuity, and for the Government to take responsibility for funding full rehabilitation of all sites.

18 June 2020 – Release of the final report of the Independent Review of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust – HPG is broadly supportive of the Review’s 21 recommendations, subject to some concerns including: partnerships “to establish a stronger ‘whole of Harbour’ approach”; partnerships with the commercial sector, in particular leasing policy; and funding.
READ THE FINAL REVIEW REPORT HERE >

July 2020 – The Harbour Trust releases a draft Stakeholder Engagement Strategy & Governance Framework Engagement Strategy. HPG’s response is that this Draft Strategy is confused and that to designate groups that have consultative roles as ‘Primary Stakeholders’ is misleading and dangerous.
READ HPG’s RESPONSE HERE →

The Trust also advised that due to “the outcomes of the Independent Review of the Harbour Trust, released on 18 June 2020, the Harbour Trust will be required prepare a redraft of the leasing policy. This will include feedback received…”
READ HPG’S ADDENDUM HERE

September 2020 – The Commonwealth Government’s update on the “Australian Government actions in response to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Review Recommendations.” READ MORE >

September 2020 – The Harbour Trust release an update on the 10 Terminal and Parklands Renewal Project. READ THE UPDATE HERE >

HPG continues to make representations to the Trust and the Commonwealth Government for the allocation of funds to ensure the proper remediation and interpretation of the building.

$10 million was allocated by the Commonwealth Government in 2019 for the 10 Terminal precinct however this will not be used solely for the restoration of the 10 Terminal building. It will also be used walkways and landscaping. This means that funding for the restoration of 10 Terminal will not be sufficient.

HPG feels the vision for 10 Terminal aligns with HPG’s view of how the site can become an exciting destination. HPG’s biggest concerns are that the precinct can host an world class interpretation centre and funding. There is still no sign that there will be sufficient funding allocated to achieve the vision.

October 2020 – Exposure Draft Sydney Federation Harbour Trust Bill – Following the Independent Review, the Commonwealth Government sought to change the Sydney Harbour Federation Act, to allow long leases of 35 years or more, without adequate Parliamentary and community scrutiny.

November 2020 – The Trust released a project direction for 10 Terminal. Key elements included: the adaptive re-use of 10 Terminal buildings for community and commercial uses;
removal of the two-storey barracks to create additional landscaped parkland, with views opened up over Middle Harbour; construction of a new easy-grade path around the precinct; and interpretation of the headland’s multi-layered heritage.

HPG had serious concerns about this Project Plan for 10 Terminal and requested additional and more comprehensive opportunities for wider public consultation.

2021

3 February 2021 – HPG issues a position paper on the Leasing Provisions in the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act Amendment Bill 2020. HPG believes the current protections need to be strengthened. The Amendment Bill is seeking to change the Trust Act to allow long leases of 35 years or more without adequate Parliamentary or community scrutiny.  HPG continued to advocate that there should be no leases longer than 35 years.

15 March 2021 – The Bill to amend the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001 is introduced to Parliament. It ensures that the Harbour Trust will now continue as an ongoing entity and fulfill its obligation to rehabilitate, preserve and maintain Trust sites for future generations of Australians. Following community response the provision that leases will not extend beyond 35 years is a positive outcome.

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.”

early May 2021 – The Harbour Trust released Draft Concept Visions ( Draft Concepts) for North Head Sanctuary and Cockatoo Island on 1 May 2021 and 4 May 2021.

June 2021 – The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Amendment Bill 2021 had its Second Reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday 1 June 2021. Members debated the Bill and was subsequently passed by the Senate on 17 June 2021. Three important outcomes ensured by the Bill, outcomes fought hard for by HPG:

1. that Trust sites will remain in Commonwealth hands in perpetuity,

2. that the Board will be refreshed with the skills needed to manage the sites in line with the objects of the Act, and

3. that there will be no leases over 35 years and those over 25 will go to the community for consultation and will be subject to the checks and balances from the Parliament and the Minister.

- - - o o o - - -

…”I am thrilled that today we have the opportunity to make the life of the trust permanent…..I particularly want to acknowledge the work of the Headland Preservation Group, currently led by Jill L’Estrange, who engaged so effectively and so well with the Minister for the Environment on this legislation.” – TRENT ZIMMERMAN

- - - o o o - - -

July 2021 – HPG makes a submission in response the the Trust’s Cockatoo Island/Wareamah Draft Concept Vision. HPG argues that the existing values of the Island be retained, enhanced and interpreted. The activation of the island must be sympathetic to those values.
READ HPG’s SUBMISSION HERE →

November 2021 – HPG reaches a major milestone, 25 years since the formation of Headland Preservation Group in 1996. COVID restrictions on public gatherings meant that HPG had to wait until 2022 to celebrate.

2022

March 2022 – The Trust undertakes conservation work on the 10 Terminal building at Middle Head including roof replacement, façade repairs, window replacement and general repairs to conserve the heritage of the building. 

15 August 2022 – To mark the anniversary of the 1915 Battle of Lone Pine (6-10 August), HPG gifted an Aleppo pine with origins from a tree grown from seed retrieved from the battleground and sent by Benjamin Smith to his mother in Inverell to commemorate the death of his brother Mark in that infamous battle. The tree replaces a tree planted at Georges Heights in 2002.

The tree was planted by HPG and Mosman RSL sub-Branch representatives at the Parade Ground at Georges Heights in a joint ceremony held in conjunction with Mosman sub-Branch RSL and the Harbour Trust in the presence of the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.

21 October 2022 – The NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service’s draft amendment proposes changes to the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management that will enable the development of a proposed environmental education centre to be considered within the Middle Head – Gubbuh Gubbuh precinct. The plan will enable the construction of a large covered outdoor learning area, storage room and toilets for education. Mosman Council votes unanimously to prepare a submission supporting the draft amendment to the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management.

8 November 2022 – 250 guests from the Mosman community and beyond gathered on 8 November 2022 to recognise the 25th Anniversary of the Headland Preservation Group at a sold-out fundraising dinner (see video above) at the Sergeants Mess in Chowder Bay, the contribution and achievements of HPG in helping to save and protect Harbour Trust lands were celebrated.  READ MORE →

6 December 2024 – Even though any new developments in the Sydney Harbour National Park do not require approval from the Council, Mosman Council votes unanimously to prepare a submission supporting the draft amendment to the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management.

2023

7 January 2023 – HPG opposes the proposed change to the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management to allow the construction of new buildings. READ HPG's RESPONSE HERE →

14 March 2023 – The Harbour Trust released a Draft Master Plan with guidelines for the proposed development of designated heritage buildings and the construction of new buildings in the historic Middle Head precinct. The plan proposes events for up to 2000 people per day, the demolition of all three timber barracks buildings, demolishing the existing sports facility, and the construction of a new sports pavilion that would mean the demolition of the Guardhouse that is leased by the Middle Head Cafe.

4 April 2023 – Mosman Council's analysis of the proposed changes to the sports facility and oval at Middle Head outlined in the Trust's Draft Plan reveals that the oval would decrease in size and change orientation. A new pavilion and walking tracks that encroach on the playing fields. The Harbour Trust clearly failed to consult all stakeholders adequately when preparing the Plan.

12 April 2023 – More than 150 people attend HPG's public meeting – HPG contends that the Draft Plan is an architectural vision statement and not a draft master plan. The Harbour Trust's Draft Plan for Middle Head does not provide details normally included in a master plan – no plans, elevations, dimensions, traffic studies, landscaping, interpretation details or financial costs.

10 May 2023 – HPG makes its submission in response to the Draft Master Plan for Middle Head – While there are 'actions' HPG does support, there are many that it does not, including changes to Middle Head Oval, relocation of the sports change facilities, demolition of the Guardhouse and the three Barracks buildings, large-scale events for up to 2,000 people and urbanisation of the landscape. HPG calls for the Trust to withdraw it.

5 June 2023 – HPG conducted its own analysis of submissions made to the Harbour Trust in response to the Draft Master Plan for Middle Head. Significantly, of the 141 responses that HPG reviewed, 93.6% had concerns about the Draft Master Plan, 61% had significant concerns, 32.6 % had some concerns, and only 6.4% of submissions expressed no concerns.

24 August 2024 – The Harbour Trust publishes a Revised Draft Master Plan for Middle Head.

21 September 2023 – HPG's response to the Revised Draft Master Plan for Middle Head concludes that HPG largely supports the revisions; however, some concerns remain about important aspects, particularly the demolition of the Timber Barracks, the reconfiguration of Middle Head Road, and the proposal to review the retention of the Guard House in the long term.

1 November 2023 – The Harbour Trust releases its Revised Master Plan Consultation Outcomes Report and public submissions. HPG concluded that 67.4% of all respondents expressed one or more areas of concern. 47.8% of all respondents opposed the demolition of the timber Barracks.

2024

21 February 2024 – HPG holds a public meeting with Mosman Parks and Bushland Association to inform the public about the proposal by School Infrastructure NSW to establish an Environment Education Centre (EEC) at Middle Head Fort in the Sydney Harbour National Park. Public concern regarding the direction of the proposed development was evident at the meeting.

15 March 2024 – HPG Response to the proposed EEC – HPG does not support an EEC at Middle Head Fort, a place of exceptional Indigenous, colonial, and military heritage and important natural environmental values. HPG advocates for the EEC to be located in the nearby vacant 10 Terminal buildings on land managed by the Harbour Trust, where a new building would not required.

Following the close of submissions, HPG is informed that School Infrastructure NSW received over 200 submissions and is reviewing the options.