2016 Year Book

YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY FIELDWORK
PYRMONT & CBD
Year 12 Geography students travelled by train from
Blacktown to Town Hall to observe the operation of
urban dynamics in the CBD and Pyrmont. It was a
beautiful day as we walked through various parts
of Pyrmont to observe the changes that took place
over the last century. The old wharves, renewal of
Darling Harbour, the conversion from heavy rail
to light rail, the gentrification of old cottages, the
protection of heritage, the establishment of new
commercial enterprises, the construction of modern
apartments and the transformation to parkland
along the foreshore demonstrate the significance
of the urban renewal of a suburb that once had the
unenviable reputation of ageing industries, a polluted
environment and social disintegration. The group
marvelled at the Ways Terrace, a listed heritage
building that has the only heritage listed clothes lines
in Australia. Students observed, photographed and
discussed the geographical issues past and present.
The highlight of the day was the ferry trip from Pyrmont
to Circular Quay via Balmain. This provided a much
needed rest for tired feet and the chance to observe
changes in the CBD from a different perspective. The
changes along George Street were noted with the
construction of the new light rail. There was chaos,
noise and confusion with construction vehicles
reversing and pedestrians trying to make their way
through the lunch hour crowds. A much needed late
lunch at the Queen Victoria Building was enjoyed by
all. The completion of this fieldwork formed the basis
of a major assessment task, but it is in understanding
of the workings of the beautiful city of Sydney that the
value of this fieldwork is revealed.
Mrs Carol Martin and Ms Karen Smith
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