Mosman Council's press release, is accompanied by an image that is misleading as to the details of the Harbour Trust's approval for the development of Middle Head Oval.

On 28 November 2024 the Harbour Trust determined Mosman Council’s application for a proposed replacement amenities building and associated works at Middle Head Oval.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s Editorial refers to the existing amenities facility as the "Mosman toilet block with no women's change rooms." However, the existing "Mosman toilet block" is not just a toilet facility. It currently includes all the amenities the proposed sporting facility would provide.

Megan Gorrey's article describes Mosman Council's plans for Middle Head Oval as "meeting the contemporary requirements of the football and AFL clubs" and mentions the inclusion of a grandstand/shade structure that would "act as an open clubhouse."

Middle Head is the jewel in the crown of Sydney Harbour. It is unique in Australia for its indigenous, colonial and military heritage and extraordinary environmental values. These values should not be put at risk.

HPG has determined that the Revised Statement of Heritage Impact has failed to adequately examine the impact of the proposed development at Middle Head Oval against the relevant Commonwealth Heritage Listings. Read out submission here.

The proposed new, relocated amenities building and its associated shade pavilion have completely misunderstood the highly sensitive nature of the location and the Oval's contributory role in the overall Commonwealth Heritage Values of the historic Middle Head Military Precinct.

The development occupies an area three times the footprint of the existing pavilion, and there is a 100% increase in hardstand areas, resulting in an overwhelming and urbanised entrance to the historic Middle Head precinct. 

It is ironic that the proposal to build an EEC to teach children the important values of the environment (natural and built) will destroy natural bushland and adversely impact the area's built heritage values of the area. Read our submission here.

HPG does not support the construction of new buildings on Middle Head. New buildings are proposed in state-managed Sydney Harbour National Park land at historic Middle Head Fort. The site is historically, culturally and socially most significant. It carries high archaeological potential for the military and indigenous.

The Harbour Trust's Outcomes Report states that one of the key areas of support is the demolition of the timber Barracks buildings, however 47.8% (22) of all respondents opposed the demolition of the timber Barracks and preferred the retention of one or more of the timber Barracks.

HPG largely supports the revisions to the Draft Master Plan; however, concerns remain about important aspects of the Revised Plan.

HPG is very disappointed the Harbour Trust still proposes to demolish the three timber Barrack buildings and not even retain one to complete the story of the Middle Head military village. Read about the users of the Barracks by Kevin O’Brien.

HPG analysed ‘public’ submissions made through the ‘Have your say’ portal in response to the Draft Master Plan. Download the full report here.

HPG members and supporters have shared their submissions and given us permission to publish them.

HPG concludes that due to the failure of the Draft Master Plan to include critical information to facilitate informed decision-making, the Harbour Trust should withdraw it.