Key points: why we oppose a new building in the National Park at Middle Head.
We want an Environment Education Centre that does not destroy the heritage and environmental values of Middle Head
Key points for opposing an Environment Education Centre in Sydney Harbour National Park at Middle Head and supporting a better option at 10 Terminal
We urge you to make a submission to oppose the proposal for an Environment Education Centre in the Sydney Harbour National Park (SHNP) at Middle Head.
We support an Environment Education Centre at the existing and vacant 10 Terminal building only 200 metres away.
Only with community response can we achieve an Environment Education Centre that does not destroy the heritage and environmental values of Middle Head.
Send your comments to: http://edu.nsw.link/Middle-Head-Public-exhibition
Say NO to the proposed Environment Education Centre in the Sydney Harbour National Park at Middle Head because:
The NSW Government will change the statutory Plan of Management for the Sydney Harbour National Park (SHNP PoM) to allow NEW buildings. This change will facilitate the construction of a Covered Outdoor Learning Centre (COLA), staff facilities, student amenities, and storage. It will set a precedent for other new buildings. THERE SHOULD BE NO NEW BUILDINGS AT MIDDLE HEAD.
The proposal creates a new building in a historically important area of national significance. It detracts and devalues the heritage value of the site.
The colonial and military history and fortifications represent 'the most diverse and complete collection of fortifications and defence sites in Australia' listed on the State Register (SHNP PoM, page 124).
The site holds important cultural significance for First Nations people. It is described as containing an 'exceptional collection of Aboriginal archaeological heritage, a concentration not found elsewhere in the metropolitan area' (SHNP PoM, Page 126)
The visual presence of the COLA will dwarf the adjacent heritage Soldiers Institute, be immediately visible upon entry to the precinct and visually impact the coastal forest that encloses the entire precinct.
The project requires the demolition of substantial significant bushland near the public pathway to the Middle Head Outer Fort.
The proposed development wastes taxpayers' money and the Department of Education budget when suitable alternative accommodation for the Environment Education Centre is available at 10 Terminal.
The artist's impression distributed by School Infrastructure is misleading and does not show the scale of the building. There is no actual photograph of the site – the brochure is misleading.
As a new build and being of such scale, it will detract from the heritage values of this very historic precinct. It is ironic to desecrate heritage and environmental values to establish an Environment Education Centre.
On the advice of Heritage NSW, it is proposed to modify and refurbish the Soldiers Institute; however, no details of the modification or refurbishment are provided.
The Community Information Session was not a consultation – it is obvious that decisions have been made as next steps have already been scheduled.
Tourism to Middle Head will soon increase with the opening of the 80 km Bondi to Manly Walk and the activation of the 10 Terminal site. An Environment Education Centre at Soldiers Institute will exclude people from walking through and enjoying a public area of historic interest.
Say YES to an Environment Education Centre at 10 Terminal because:
Suitable accommodation is available at 10 Terminal on land managed by the Harbour Trust. The building is vacant.
The 10 Terminal site includes space and amenities suitable for the Environment Education Centre and could provide additional space for staff facilities and storage.
The use of 10 Terminal will complement and add value to the proposed Interpretation Centre at 10 Terminal.
There is an area for safe drop-off of all students close to 10 Terminal.
It makes environmental and economic sense to use an existing building.
