The Morrison Government has launched a landmark review to give Australians their say on the best ways to maximise public access to Sydney Harbour’s historic landmarks.
I was pleased today to join the Member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman, and the Executive Director of the Harbour Trust Ms Mary Darwell at Sub Base Platypus to announce that the former Secretary of Planning for NSW, Ms Carolyn McNally will lead the review, working with former Executive Director of Infrastructure NSW, Ms Erin Flaherty.
Public submissions will form a central part of the first full review of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust which manages some of the nation’s most historic sites including Cockatoo Island, North Head Sanctuary Manly, Headland Park Mosman and Macquarie Lighthouse.
This is a critical time in planning the long-term future of these wonderful assets and I am pleased that Carolyn will be able to lead the review along with former Executive Director of Infrastructure NSW, Ms Erin Flaherty.
The Harbour Trust administers former defence sites that showcase the nation’s indigenous heritage, the early days of European settlement, the story of war time Australia and its secret defences, and our maritime history from the first fleet to modern ship building and submarine bases.
They are sites that people often pass on their way to work without realising the history and the stories that are there to be told.
The review, the first since the Harbour Trust was established by the Howard Government in 2001, is to ensure the people have the best chance to experience these wonderful places.
Ms McNally said today that her focus would be on listening to the public.
“These are extraordinary places that we can often take for granted and I want to know what the public would like to see in the future,” she said.
“This really is about giving people a voice in the best ways to share our harbour and our history.”
Chairman of the Harbour Trust, Joseph Carrozzi said: “This review provides the opportunity for us to take stock of our achievements and ensure arrangements for our places are fit for the future. I strongly encourage our community to have their say.”
The terms of reference for the Review and details on how to be involved in the Review process are available at: https://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/shft-independent-review
Information on the Trust is available at: https://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/
