Saving the headland in the Harbour
Mosman
Title Image: Headland Preservation Group
Somewhat protected from development through 200 years of exclusive military use, this exquisite piece of Australia’s heritage was threatened by development just 25 years ago, and it took an inspired campaign to save it.
In 1996, a large area of former Department of Defence lands in the heart of Sydney harbour were proposed to be sold off for development, and the Headland Preservation Group (HPG) was formed by the community to oppose the sell-off plans, instead with the vision for a “harbour trust” to look after the headlands for their natural and cultural values in perpetuity.
The campaign mobilised public opinion, generating the support of the NSW Premier Bob Carr, Jack Mundey who led the Green Bans, and eventually, then Prime Minister, John Howard:
“…probably the world’s greatest harbour. It is one of the great natural beauty spots of our nation.”
This led to the establishment of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust in 2001, to protect these extraordinary sites on the harbour “for everyone, forever”.
Just as with democracy, the preservation of nature is one that requires eternal vigilance. Just 12 years after the founding of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, the Trust in 2013, just before Christmas, announced a development application for a large commercial residential aged care complex on the site of middle head. The Headland Preservation Group again had to spring into action to ensure the proposal was dropped and to protect the headland.
The HPG to this day continues to remain ever vigilant to the cause of protecting these precious headlands and historical assets that are part of the natural and cultural heritage of all of us: Headland Preservation Group
Headland Heritage
Some of the rich natural heritage of the headlands of the Mosman Peninsula
Powerful Owl
The Powerful Owl is the largest of Australia's owls, frequenting the moist forests of Australia's east. A large owl with a small head, brown and white barred colouring, and distinctive yellow eyes.
Mosman Wildlife
Dozens of species of native animals frequent the remnant moist gullies and bushland of the Mosman peninsula, from the Eastern Water Dragon to Peron's Tree Frog and the endangered Powerful Owl
Title Image: Headland Preservation Group
Somewhat protected from development through 200 years of exclusive military use, this exquisite piece of Australia’s heritage was threatened by development just 25 years ago, and it took an inspired campaign to save it.
In 1996, a large area of former Department of Defence lands in the heart of Sydney harbour were proposed to be sold off for development, and the Headland Preservation Group (HPG) was formed by the community to oppose the sell-off plans, instead with the vision for a “harbour trust” to look after the headlands for their natural and cultural values in perpetuity.
The campaign mobilised public opinion, generating the support of the NSW Premier Bob Carr, Jack Mundey who led the Green Bans, and eventually, then Prime Minister, John Howard:
“…probably the world’s greatest harbour. It is one of the great natural beauty spots of our nation.”
This led to the establishment of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust in 2001, to protect these extraordinary sites on the harbour “for everyone, forever”.
Just as with democracy, the preservation of nature is one that requires eternal vigilance. Just 12 years after the founding of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, the Trust in 2013, just before Christmas, announced a development application for a large commercial residential aged care complex on the site of middle head. The Headland Preservation Group again had to spring into action to ensure the proposal was dropped and to protect the headland.
The HPG to this day continues to remain ever vigilant to the cause of protecting these precious headlands and historical assets that are part of the natural and cultural heritage of all of us: Headland Preservation Group
Headland Heritage
Some of the rich natural heritage of the headlands of the Mosman Peninsula
Powerful Owl
The Powerful Owl is the largest of Australia's owls, frequenting the moist forests of Australia's east. A large owl with a small head, brown and white barred colouring, and distinctive yellow eyes.
Mosman Wildlife
Dozens of species of native animals frequent the remnant moist gullies and bushland of the Mosman peninsula, from the Eastern Water Dragon to Peron's Tree Frog and the endangered Powerful Owl
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