PDF - 1.62 MB - Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

The operator of The Tearooms Gunners’ Barrackshas leased the Sergeants’ Mess to establish afunction centre and the Sydney Institute of MarineSciences took out a lease on an additional buildingto meet its growing research requirements.In its second year, Headland Park’s open day atLower Georges Heights attracted a large crowd. Anexhibition of Aboriginal and Islander defencepersonnel was mounted and a ceremony held in thelandship to mark NAIDOC. The Trust’s partnershipwith Sculpture by the Sea Incorporated to placesculptures along a section of the Balmoral toChowder Bay walking track and in the GeorgesHeights precinct added to the natural beauty of thearea. In this regard, the Georges Head lookout isundoubtedly one of Sydney’s great platforms fromwhich to appreciate the harbour.The major focus of planning activity this year was thepreparation of an amendment to the ComprehensivePlan to encompass HMAS Platypus. The formersubmarine naval base at Neutral Bay was formallyhanded over to the Trust in 2005. The amendmentwas placed on public exhibition in early 2007following extensive community consultation. As aconsequence of submissions received by the Trust, arevised draft amendment will be exhibited for publiccomment. Rehabilitation of the site will include openspaces, courtyards and urban parks, and theadaptive reuse of buildings, streets and wharves.The Trust adopted management plans for the formerSchool of Artillery and Middle Head. A draftmanagement plan for Macquarie Lightstation wasplaced on public exhibition. The management plan forWoolwich Dock and Parklands was amended andplaced on exhibition. The amendment related torevised plans for a function centre and café/restaurant.The environmental management of Trust sites is partand parcel of the planning process, project worksand public access. The remediation of contaminationcontinued on Cockatoo Island, at Woolwich Dockand Parklands and Georges Heights. A remediationaction plan was prepared for HMAS Platypus andpreliminary assessments made of remediation workrequired at the former School of Artillery. Remediationwork lays the foundation for sustainable planning andthe adaptive reuse of buildings and facilitiesconsistent with the principles of ecologicallysustainable development. The management ofbushland on various sites continued withrevegetation, noxious weed control and the repair ofwalking tracks. Fuel reduction and fire breaks andtrails formed part of the bushfire managementprogram. Feral animal management targetted rabbits,foxes and cats.The Trust’s team of volunteers was significantlyincreased during the year in anticipation of theopening of Cockatoo Island and the former School ofArtillery. Volunteers form the backbone of the Trust’scapacity to manage visitor centres, conduct toursand organise events. With the Trust’s tour guides andteacher guides, the volunteers show unflaggingcommitment and enthusiasm, and perform aninvaluable ambassadorial role.Trust staff levels have remained constant in the face ofincreasing demands on time and resources. Staffcontinue to demonstrate strong commitment to makingthe experience of Trust sites enjoyable and memorable.Finally, I must thank the Trustees for their unfailingsupport, strategic advice and guidance throughoutthe year.Geoff Bailey05 Annual Report 2006-07Photo: View from North Head of harbour and city skyline