PDF - 1.62 MB - Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Annual Report 2006-0714Site ConservationPerformance Indicators• Rehabilitation of land, buildings, infrastructure andequipment is consistent with conservation,environmental, heritage and cultural values andrelevant standards.• Trust lands and facilities meet workplace andpublic safety standards.• Further deterioration of Trust assets is minimised.• Undertake maintenance works at all sites.• Prepare and implement repair, maintenance andpublic safety work programs.• Remove and/or dispose of structures in line withthe Trust’s Comprehensive Plan.• Trust facilities are increasingly available for publicaccess and business and community use.Maintenance and Heritage ConservationThe Trust continued its ongoing maintenanceprogram to prevent further deterioration of the sitesand as part of the implementation of theComprehensive Plan. Providing safe public accesswas an ongoing focus of maintenance and heritageconservation as new areas were opened to thepublic. Recurrent work included security, bushregeneration, upkeep of grounds, maintenance of firesafety systems and building conservation.A list of maintenance and heritage conservationprojects undertaken by the Trust in 2006-07 isprovided in Appendix 4.Former School of Artillery, North HeadThe former School of Artillery, North Head, containsa collection of buildings surrounding the paradeground, sporting facilities and a large area ofremnant bushland. The site is mainly vacant andwhile many of the buildings generally are structurallysound, deterioration of the building fabric is broadlyevident. Ongoing repairs to the sewerage and watersupply systems were carried out during the yearalong with significant replacement works to upgradethe electricity supply.During the year, the walking track was extended toform a loop around the entire site. The track passesthrough heath and scrub, and affords views of theharbour, headlands, the ocean and foreshore suburbs.The refurbishment of the Gatehouse building wascompleted and houses a Visitor Centre, children’sactivities room, and offices and facilities for schoolgroups including a classroom. A traffic consultancywas undertaken for the Blue Fish Road carpark andinitial designs surveyed on-site. The consultancy alsoconsidered overall traffic circulation within the paradeground area including possible bus access. Clearanceof the carpark site was completed for the opening ofthe Visitor Centre and walking track in early June2007. A review was undertaken of repairs andupgrading required for the fire hydrant, water supply,sewer, stormwater, electrical and communicationsinfrastructure for the whole site. A new electrical substationwas installed and an agreement reached withNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to upgradethe high voltage power supply to North Headpeninsula including the former School of Artillery.Tenders were called for consultants to undertake therestoration of the former medical and printingbuildings and a preliminary investigation wasundertaken of the former barracks building. Anumber of buildings were renovated and refurbishedto prepare them for tenant occupancy. Theseincluded the former Rodin Cutler building, Sergeants’Mess, Officers’ Mess and annex accommodation.Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder BayThe Middle Head, Georges Heights and ChowderBay precincts feature former training facilities,fortifications, depots, barracks and housingsurrounded by remnant Sydney Harbour bushland.Together they form Headland Park.A comprehensive program of upgrading site servicesat the former Training Command precinct at GeorgesHeights included the installation of an undergroundhigh voltage network, a new electrical sub-station,sewer and stormwater services, fire hydrant mains,and the commencement of work to realign SuakinDrive and the carpark adjacent to Georges Heightsoval. The program supported the refurbishment andfitout of buildings in the precinct to provide attractiveoffice and community uses space. The conversion ofthe 1913 Barracks building into a childcare centrewas commenced and largely completed.