Premier of New South Wales NEWS RELEASE Australia

August 19,1997

STATE GOVERNMENT'S VISION FOR SYDNEY HARBOUR FORESHORBS

Premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr today announced the State Government will save Sydney Harbour foreshore -- blocking Commonwealth plans to develop Department of Defence land.

Mr Carr today released nine guiding principles, applying to all local councils on the Harbour, saying that the tough measures would retain prime Sydney harbourside land for future public use.

"The Harbour is too precious to be sold off for the exclusive use of Sydney's silvertails.

"And the State Government opposes the Commonwealth Government's decision to sell defence land to the'highest bidder' rather than earmarking it for public use."

Four key points of the nerv Development Control Plan for the Sydney Harbour foreshores include:

. maximum public access and use of land on the foreshorel . links between existing foreshore open space must be retained and enhanced; . all items of heritage significance must be retained; and . where possible retain maritime and related activities.

The State Government's Statement on Sydney Harbour's Foreshore ensures that:

Middle Head AII Commonwealth land earmarked for residential development should be turned over for public use and included in the Sydney Harbour National Park

North Head All defence land added to the Sydney Harbour National Park.

HMAS Platyrrus Any limited development must include high quality and substantial public space bordering the foreshore, together with possible maritime wharf activity.

Co Island There must be rnaximum open public space and all significant heritage retained.

I Balls 's Bav All land for public use and as of today, the State Government has shelved all plans to subdivide State-owned property, forgoing an estimated $20 million.

Woolwich The land must be preserved as public open space, rvith the historic dry dock and adjoining land.

Mr Carr said the NSW Government has the power to block any future clevelopment bordering the Harbour under the Envtrorunental Planning and Assessmerfi Act lg7g, the Heritage Act 1977 and the Coastal Protectiott Act 1979'

Mr Carr has also reiterated his opposition to the Horvard Government plan to sell-off publicly-owned beautyspots such as Woolwich and Middle Head.

In a letter released today, Mr Carr also asked Prime Minister John Horvard to join with him to establish a "green web" of public space around the foreshore, stretching from North Head to the mouth of the Parramatta River.

Mr Carr asked Mr Holvard to put aside political differences as Malcolm Fraser and Neville Wran did in 1979 their historic Sydney Harbour Foreshores agreement added significant former Department of Defence land to the Sydney Harbour National Park.

Mr Carr is expected to be joined by Former NSW Premier Neville Wran, former Commonwealth Minister, Mr Tom Uren and local State Member for Gladesville, Mr John Watkins.

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