the sydney 2000 olympic and paralympic games - Australian Sports ...

PART FOUR : NSW GOVERNMENT AGENCIES GAMES SUPPORT SERVICES
4.5 Waterways and Harbour Management
The Waterways Authority and Sydney Ports Corporation played a major role in the management of Sydney
Harbour, the staging of water events and the visitation of international cruise ships during the Olympic and
Paralympic Games. The cost of Waterways Authority and Sydney Ports Corporation Games services was
$12.0 million.
The following initiatives represent key services and achievements delivered during the Games:
• Sydney Harbour Plan of Management
• Sydney Harbour Operations Centre
• Sydney Harbour as a Games Venue
• Management of Shipping, Transport and Other Functions
• Maintaining a Working Harbour
• Olympic Hotel Ship Project
• Super Yacht Marina
• Games-time Results
• Legacy
Sydney Harbour Plan of Management
The Waterways Authority developed a Sydney Harbour Plan of Management to provide clear operational
guidelines for all on-water activities during the Olympic period. This plan was developed in consultation
with all stakeholders and Sydney Harbour users and contributed to the successful management of the
Harbour during Games-time. In addition, a series of information publications was prepared and distributed
prior to and on the day of sailing events.
Sydney Harbour Operations Centre
The Sydney Harbour Operations Centre (SHOC) located at Walsh Bay, was established as a multi-agency
facility by the Waterways Authority and the OSCC to manage non-competition activities on Sydney
Harbour during the Olympic period. It was an integral component of the Games Command and
Control System.
The SHOC utilised a world's best practice computerised incident database and vessel tracking system to
track, log and deploy vessels and personnel. This system electronically recorded and subsequently
analysed incidents occurring on the Harbour. In addition, an enhanced CCTV system, developed in
conjunction with the Roads and Traffic Authority, provided visual coverage and supplementary detail to
the SHOC.
Sydney Harbour as a Games Venue
The Waterways Authority is responsible for the management of NSW waterways including the enforcement
of on-water regulations with respect to boat safety, vessel registration, boat licenses and mooring licenses.
In addition, the Authority administers over 2,000 commercial and private leases covering marinas and
wharves, installs and maintains most navigational channel beacons and provides Harbour
cleaning services.
The Authority played a major role in the staging of on-water events for the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic
Games, including the facilitation of sailing and other events on Sydney Harbour. This role necessitated the
maintenance of clear competition areas and the management of spectator and vessel traffic movements to
ensure Games competition was not adversely affected.
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