LOCAL RESIDENTS gathered at the Horse Paddock foreshore in Woolwich on Sunday to protest the expansion plans of the Woolwich Marina, which they say represents a privatisation of Sydney harbour which will destroy Kelly’s Bush foreshore and also affect UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island.
“Kelly’s Bush Battlers are rallying again – after 54 years – this time to protect their nationally treasured Kelly’s Bush in Sydney from an exclusive marina development to privatise Sydney harbour – destroying Kelly’s Bush foreshore and affecting UNESCO World Heritage Cockatoo Island,” protest organisers said in a statement.
“In 1968 local Hunters Hill mums and community organisations came together with one of Australia’s most historic figures, Jack Mundey, to stop the development and destruction of pristine harbour-facing bushland and indigenous heritage.
“This movement brought about the world’s first green ban.”
Today, they say, the next generation are battling again to save Kelly’s Bush and foreshore from over-development with a petition of more than 530 people now presented to State Government.
Community groups – including Save Our Shores (SOS), Friends of Kelly’s Bush and Hunters Hill Trust – and residents are fighting a proposal by the “wealthy owner” of Woolwich Marina to expand it by more than 300 per cent.
They say it will double the capacity of Woolwich Marina to 79 berths for enormous exclusive vessels three storeys high and 25 metres long at a narrow point of Sydney Harbour between Kelly’s Bush and Cockatoo Island – one of the busiest ferry transport routes to Inner West and Western Sydney.
Hunter’s Hill Councillor Marc Lane said it was an important issue for many people in the community who were angry with the privatisation of their public land.
“Council voted to add their voice to rejecting the initial application, and we need to make sure that the community’s voice continues to be heard as we defend the appeal,” he said.
Following the unanimous rejection by Hunter’s Hill Council and the Sydney North Planning Panel of the DA 20230094 for “Alterations & Additions to the Woolwich Marina” the Applicant appealed to the Land and Environment Court (LEC).
The new amended proposal has now been received by Hunters Hill Council and can be viewed at: connect.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/woolwich-marina-proposed-development
Submissions on the plans must be lodged by the deadline of Friday, June 27.
Still missing from the proposal on public exhibition are reports on aboriginal heritage, heritage, maritime archaeology and an updated preliminary site investigation.
Mayor of Hunter’s Hill, Zac Miles said council is challenging the Marina’s application in court where the matter will ultimately be decided.
“The application remains something that council is challenging in court,” Hunter’s Hill Mayor Zac Miles told The Weekly Times.
“The applicant’s amended plans will be considered at the conclusion of the exhibition period by our legal representatives and will ultimately be something that is determined by the Land and Environment Court.”
Expert briefings on the Woolwich Marina proposal, organised by SOS, are being held tonight (June 11) and June 25 at 7.30pm at Woolwich Sailing Club.
