PDF - 1.62 MB - Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Annual Report 2006-07Executive Director’s Summary04The Trust opened two sites to the public on apermanent basis during the year. For the first timesince the early days of European settlement,Cockatoo Island became freely accessible with theintroduction of a limited ferry service from the city.The former School of Artillery on North Head openedits gates to the public after being off limits for over70 years.This brings to six the number of sites now open tothe public – Middle Head/Georges Heights/ChowderBay, Cockatoo Island, the former School of Artillery,Woolwich Dock and Parklands, MacquarieLightstation and the park associated with the formerMarine Biological Station at Watsons Bay.Over the year, Cockatoo Island has undergone anaccelerated program of works. Major projectscompleted or well advanced include the replacementof services in the Parramatta Wharf precinct, therepair of up to 15 buildings, the refurbishment ofhouses for residential use, the upgrade of marineaccess facilities on the southern apron and thepreparation of documentation for new projects.On the northern apron, a campground, associatedamenities and parkland are under construction.Camping will attract people interested in a uniqueharbour experience and contribute to the life of theisland. A café and a bar will service visitors and addto the general amenity of the site.The works program continued apace as a trial ferryservice commenced and the public was encouragedto visit and explore the island. The refurbishedMuster Station provides an orientation point forvisitors and the Trust’s volunteers run the bookingoffice and assist visitors.The school excursion program brings close to 5,000school children to Cockatoo Island annually. A rangeof other arts-related events was held and contributedto the Trust’s strategy to promote Cockatoo Island asa cultural landmark. The Trust continues to negotiatewith potential lessees of the island’s building stockand other facilities.The preparation of conservation management plansfor the dockyard and convict/gaol precinctsunderpins the Trust’s responsibility to protect anddocument the island’s historical significance.On North Head, the Trust made preparations for amajor upgrade of infrastructure services such aswater, sewerage and electricity. A new electricalsub station was installed. The tender for architecturalservices was awarded for the conservation andrefurbishment of a number of buildings includingthe former barracks. A long term lease of severalbuildings by the Australian Institute of PoliceManagement required extensive renovationand refurbishment.The refurbishment and fitout of the Gatehousebuilding was completed in time for the site’s officialopening. The Gatehouse features a display of NorthHead’s natural and cultural heritage including the roleof the military at the former School of Artillery, and achildren’s craft and activities room. In anticipation ofschool groups visiting the site for curriculum alignedexcursions, the Gatehouse has a classroom andbreakout rooms for students.Headland Park in Mosman is the most advanced ofthe Trust’s sites in terms of significant infrastructureprojects completed, buildings refurbished, tenantoccupancy and a sense that the final shape of thevarious precincts is in place. However, major workswere undertaken including the upgrade of services inthe former Training Command precinct and therenovation of a former barracks building as achildcare centre. Work commenced on therealignment of Suakin Drive and a carpark adjacentto Georges Heights oval. Tenants were selected for anumber of refurbished, weatherboard H blocks atTraining Command.At Chowder Bay, one level of the SubmarineMiners’ Depot was fitted out for a restaurant, asecond café opened and negotiations concludedwith an outdoor education provider to occupythe former Other Ranks’ Quarters building.