Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Platypus Remediation Project

Works are now underway to remediate the former HMAS Platypus site. This is the first step in transforming the former submarine base into a new public waterfront location.

Over the years this complex site in Neutral Bay has been transformed and its sandstone cliffs excavated: firstly for a gasworks, then a workshop for servicing torpedoes, and finally a base for Australia's submarines.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Defence and the Harbour Trust has been signed. Defence has agreed to pay for the costs associated with the decontamination of the Platypus site.

 

Remediation Project Stages

The remediation project is being undertaken in two stages:

Stage 1 encompassed the above ground remediation and site preparatory works. During this stage sediments in the adjacent waterways were investigated to provide background reference information, dilapidation surveys were undertaken, above ground contaminants including lead paint and asbestos were removed from all buildings and surrounds, and the administration building and adjacent store were demolished. These works were completed in February 2011.

Stage 2 addresses the below ground contaminant removal and groundwater management works. During this stage, the below ground hazardous contaminants will be removed and treated, the contaminated ground and seepage water will be treated and a plan for future groundwater management put in place. Planning for this stage is underway with site works to commence in late 2011. The completion of the Stage 2 works is planned for mid 2013.

The concrete wharf at Platypus is to be partially repaired. These works, which include repair to the centre 116m of this 216m long structure, will be undertaken in the second half of 2011.

Enquiries

If you have any site specific enquires in relation to the Stage 1 Works, please telephone one of the Harbour Trust contacts below.

Peter Osmand
Project Director
Ph: 8969 2135 or 0417 256 184

James Leech
Senior Project Manager
Ph: 8969 2180

Willem Clasie
Project Manager
Mobile: 0403 923 710

Community Consultation

The Harbour Trust is working closely with the local community during the HMAS Platypus remediation project. Details about community meetings and newsletters will be regularly posted below as the project progresses.

 

CAC Meeting Minutes

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for HMAS Platypus meets regularly to discuss issues about the project.
Read minutes and view presentations from the CAC meetings for HMAS Platypus

 

Newsletters

The Harbour Trust sends out regular newsletters to the local community keeping people up to date with the remediation project.
Read the June 2010 newsletter

Read the November 2010 newsletter

Read the August 2011 newsletter

 

Community Meetings

In 2010 the Trust invited neighbours of the HMAS Platypus site to attend a meeting to discuss issues and concerns regarding the Platypus remediation project.
Read questions and answers raised at the neighbours meeting on 23 March 2010

View the community presentation on remediation options provided to the community on 11 and 14 August.

Read questions and answers raised at the community presentations on remediation options on 11 August 2010 and 14 August 2010

In late 2011 the local community will be invited to view the Stage 2 works at an open day to be organised by the Principal Contractor for remediation.

 

Site Management Plan Stage 2 Major Remediation Works

The Harbour Trust has finalised the Site Management Plan (SMP) for the Stage 2 Major Remediation Works at Platypus.

 

Site Management Plan Wharf Repair Works

The Harbour Trust had finalised and amended the Site Management Plan (SMP) for the Wharf Repair Works.

 

Contact us

If you have any concerns of questions please contact the Trust by emailing consulttrust@harbourtrust.gov.au