Measures to effectively block the transfer of Sydney Harbour’s historic sites into private hands will be introduced into federal parliament this week, in what campaigners have hailed as a victory for heritage areas such Cockatoo Island.
The federal government will lodge a bill to keep the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust beyond its legislated end in 2033, as well as capping commercial leases on Commonwealth-controlled land to a maximum of 35 years.
Aerial view of Cockatoo Island, managed by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
Environmental Minister Sussan Ley said the legislation was being introduced following an independent review into the future and scope of the trust, as well as consultation with community groups and the NSW government. The management of the former defence sites had been a source of bitter feuding between federal and state governments.
“We are ensuring the ongoing future of the Harbour Trust and delivering on our commitment to keep its wonderful sites in public hands,” Ms Ley said in a statement on Tuesday.
She said under the proposed legislative amendments commercial leases for appropriate sites would have a maximum term of 35 years, with leases of longer than 25 years subject to a disallowance by Parliament.
“This addresses both community concerns and allows the Harbour Trust the framework it needs to
develop commercial partnerships that can enhance public access,” she said.
Cockatoo Island contains World Heritage-listed colonial buildings and a former naval shipyard.Credit:Rhett Wyman
The decision effectively rules out proposals such as one from art collectors Tony Berg and Danny Goldberg to lease Cockatoo Island for 50 years and invest as much as $100 million to convert it into an “art island”.
Other sites managed by the trust include the Macquarie Lightstation in Vaucluse and Neutral Bay’s Sub Base Platypus.
