 |
 |
|
        |
Harbour Trust: PlanningManagement PlanManagement Plan - Manly No. 1, Former School of Artillery, North Head, 28 July 2006IntroductionOn 21st August 2003 the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a Comprehensive Plan for the seven harbour sites managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. The plan, which was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001, sets out the Trust’s vision for the harbour sites under its control. A requirement of the Trust’s Comprehensive Plan is that more detailed management plans are prepared for specific precincts, places or buildings. In addition to this the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 also requires the Trust to make plans to protect and manage the National Heritage values and Commonwealth Heritage values of National and Commonwealth Heritage Places. The North Head former Artillery School is identified on both the National and Commonwealth Heritage List. Accordingly, the purpose of this Management Plan is to guide the outcomes proposed in the Trust’s Comprehensive Plan and to satisfy the requirements of Schedule 7A of the EPBC Regulations, 2000. North Head, as a tied island with a relatively intact ecosystem owned by few large institutions, lends itself to being planned and managed as one entity where the natural and cultural environment is protected and retains its prominence. The Trust’s plan for the former School of Artillery is intended as a positive contribution towards this objective. The Comprehensive Plan proposes the creation of a sanctuary in which the natural and physical resources as well as the cultural and social aspects are managed in a sustainable way by all landholders and where endangered species are protected and conserved, native species are re-introduced and feral animals are managed effectively. It has the potential to provide an integrated experience of one of Sydney’s iconic places; a natural landmark appreciated in all its dramatic natural form, a sense of wilderness in the city. It could also be a retreat, a place for contemplation and reflection, overlooking the harbour entrance and the city, and a place that gives a strong sense of Aboriginal history and ceremony. The indigenous, institutional and military past would be conserved and interpreted for present and future generation, and offer scope for research and education. The implementation of the sanctuary concept would ideally include all land managers at North Head. The Trust is only responsible for the management of the former School of Artillery site and is working with the other agencies including the State Government who are committed to the concept. This Management Plan aims to facilitiate the implementation of the sanctuary concept commencing with the former School of Artillery site. The proposal for the former School of Artillery is for the adaptive re-use of buildings and facilities with uses that will complement the proposed sanctuary balancing this with public access for experiencing and learning about the headland’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage.
Commencement DateThis plan was adopted by the Trust on 28th July 2006 and came into force on that date. Land to which the Management Plan AppliesThe land, described as ‘North Head Former School of Artillery’
covered by the Management Plan is shown by broken black edging on the
plan at Figure
1 (PDF, 77kb For the purpose of this report, the entire Management Plan area will be described as the ‘former School of Artillery’. The former School of Artillery is divided into two main areas: ‘the Barracks complex’ and ‘the North Fort complex’. The ability of the Trust to implement the Plan will depend upon the resolution of title to the land by the Commonwealth and the State of NSW. However, it is considered essential to include the land at North Head in the Trust’s Plan in order to adequately achieve the intention of Parliament. The Department of Defence Army History Unit, currently manages and maintains
the items and exhibits of the Royal Australian Artillery National Museum
(RAANM). This Museum operates on the North Fort complex, and is one of
a number of Corps museums operated by the Army History Unit. The function
of the museum is the collection, preservation and exhibition of the history
of artillery in Australia including coastal artillery. The Department
of Defence intends on continuing the operation of this museum. Aims of this PlanThe aim of this Management Plan is to:
In doing this it also aims to:
Relationship with the Trust's Comprehensive PlanThis Management Plan is the middle level of a three tiered comprehensive planning system developed to guide the future of the Trust’s lands. The other levels are:
This Management Plan describes specific outcomes for the former School
of Artillery. It interprets the Trust’s Comprehensive Plan and guides
its implementation by providing more explicit detail about the way the
site is adaptively reused and conserved. The Outcomes diagram in Part 8 of the Trust’s Comprehensive Plan
for the former School of Artillery North Head is reproduced at Figure
2 (PDF, 314kb The Objectives and Policies most relevant to this Management Plan are those relating to the conservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage and of access, the adaptive reuse of buildings, transport management, water quality and catchment protection, geodiversity protection, biodiversity conservation, management of native and introduced animals, Aboriginal heritage, bushcare, bushfire management, education and contamination. These Objectives and Policies were addressed during the assessment of the site and are discussed in more detail in the relevant sections of this plan.
Related Trust Policies and GuidelinesThere are a number of overarching Policies and Guidelines foreshadowed in the Trust’s Comprehensive Plan that will be developed over the lifetime of the Trust and that will also guide the development of the sanctuary. Current relevant policies are:
This Management Plan has to be interpreted having regard for these policies.
Statutory Planning Context
Section 26 of the EPBC Act protects all aspects of the environment on Trust land from actions taken either on the Trust’s land or on adjoining land that may have a significant impact on it, while Section 28 protects the environment from any actions of the Trust, that may have a significant impact. The environment is defined to include: (a) ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities;
and Section 341ZC of the Act requires the Trust to have regard for the National and Commonwealth Heritage values of a place before it takes an action and to minimise the impact that the action might have on those values. The National Heritage Values and Commonwealth Heritage Values sections of this Plan describe the values of the site. Section 341ZD of the Act requires the Trust to seek the advice of the Minister for Environment and Heritage before it takes an action that has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on a Commonwealth Heritage Place. Under Section 324S of the Act the Minister for the Environment will prepare a plan to protect and manage the National Heritage values of each National Heritage Place. If there is no plan in force under Section 324S, as is the case for North Head, Section 324U of the Act requires the Trust to take all reasonable steps to ensure that its acts (if any) relating to a National Heritage Place are not inconsistent with the National Heritage Management principles.
State Legislation
Notwithstanding this the Trust has prepared this plan so that it is consistent with both State and local plans. The relevant statutory plans are: Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005This SREP applies to the whole of Sydney Harbour’s waterways, the foreshores and entire harbour catchment. It provides a framework for future planning, development and management of the waterway, heritage items, islands, wetland protection areas and foreshores of Sydney Harbour. Under the SREP, North Head is included in the catchment area of Sydney Harbour. The planning principles of the SREP relevant to the site include:
Manly Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 1988North Head School of Artillery is located within Manly Local Government Area and is zoned special uses 5(a) School of Artillery under Manly LEP 1988. The surrounding Sydney Harbour National Park is zoned 8(a) National Park with other special use zonings on the headland including Hospital and the Sewerage Treatment Works.
Non-statutory Planning Context
The SSHAP identifies North Head as a place of cultural interest, in particular
in relation to the Aboriginal sites located on the headland. Retaining
and improving access to the headland is an important component of the
SSHAP.
Plans Prepared for Neighbouring Lands
Plans and policies prepared by neighbouring land managers provide a context for this Management Plan. The following are particularly relevant. Sydney Harbour National Park Management PlanThe former School of Artillery site is surrounded by the Sydney Harbour National Park on all sides. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have prepared a Plan of Management that applies to the whole of the Sydney Harbour National Park including North Head. The Plan of Management outlines general and specific objectives for the
National Park with the overall strategy for the park being the protection,
and where necessary, restoration of the Park’s natural vegetation
and the maintenance and adaptive reuse of important historic places. The
park is divided into precincts with emphasis to be given to the following
strategies in the North Head Precinct:
In all sections of Sydney Harbour National Park the protection of the existing natural and cultural values will be given a priority. High priority projects that are relevant to the Trust’s site include the preparation of a fire management plan, investigation of traffic requirements, construction of a walking track along North Head Scenic Drive and future leasing of the Quarantine Station site. Plans made under the Rural Fires Act 1997There are two sub-plans of the NSW State Bush Fire Plan made under the Rural Fires Act 1997 that apply to the Manly Local Government Area, including the Trust’s land. The Manly – Mosman District Bush Fire Management Plan 2000 deals with strategies to minimise bush fire risk such as hazard reduction. While the Manly-Mosman Draft Bush Fire Operations Plan 2003 deals with the operational and management issues. Evacuation routes are determined under the Local Emergency Disaster Plans. There is also a Bush Fire Prone land map prepared under Section 146(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 approved by the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2003. This map identifies areas of bush fire prone vegetation and vegetation buffer areas around North Head. Particular developments proposed on bush fire prone lands can trigger the need to conform with the requirements of the Planning for Bushfire Protection 2001 guidelines prepared in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. The Trust has completed an interim Bushfire Management Plan for the former School of Artillery and this Plan informed the preparation of this Management Plan. The Trust will continue to implement the recommendations of this plan and cooperate with other agencies in the implementation of plans prepared under the Rural Fires Act. Plans made under NSW Threatened Species Amendment Act 2004A Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement (PAS) has been developed which outlines strategies to promote the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities and manage key threatening processes. The PAS offers guidance on species recovery and provides a priority list of actions for government and non-government organisations with the resources to contribute to the recovery effort. The role of recovery plans and threat abatement plans will be ongoing, with the PAS identifying which plans will be prepared and where possible a timetable for their completion. Initially the PAS will identify strategies to recover each species, population and community, and abate key threatening processes. Where possible it will provide detailed actions for over 600 species, populations and communities. The Trust will cooperate with surrounding land managers in the implementation
of the PAS and other plans prepared under the NSW Threatened Species Act.
Site Description
Located in the municipality of Manly, North Head is a tied island, an elevated land mass dominating the entrance to Port Jackson. The former School of Artillery is an area of approximately 72 hectares located on the highest part of North Head. The site is surrounded by Sydney Harbour National Park. Darley Road provides the only vehicular access to North Head via the CBD of Manly. At the top of Darley Road, the road forks into North Head Scenic Drive to the south and Bluefish Drive to the east. North Head Scenic Drive forms the western boundary of the plan area and provides direct access to the former School of Artillery, the National Park including Quarantine Station and the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM). Blue Fish Drive provides access to the northern portion of the plan area via Artillery Drive and Gunner Road and after traveling through a section of the National Park terminates at the entrance to the North Head Sewage Treatment Plant. The most direct pedestrian route from Manly Wharf to the plan area is a 2.3 kilometre walk, however the steep gradient of access to the site prevents many pedestrians from walking. The former School of Artillery has been occupied and used by the Commonwealth Government for defence purposes for many years. Approximately 58 hectares of the site is bushland. In addition there are approximately 80 buildings on the site which can be divided into two main complexes: the Barracks complex and the North Fort complex. The most central group of buildings is The Barracks complex, a collection of Art Deco buildings arranged around an impressive parade ground built in 1936. The North Fort complex is located at the southern most end of the site and is currently used to house the Royal Australian Artillery National Museum (RAANM). Both building complexes are surrounded by bushland and experience spectacular views of Sydney Harbour entrance and the CBD. In addition, there are a number of other secondary buildings scattered
around the main complexes and two groups of brick houses on the site,
18 located at the northern end of the site on North Head Scenic Drive
and Artillery Drive and 8 houses located toward the central part of the
site on St Barbaras Avenue. The site includes a number of manmade features
including outdoor sports facilities, services infrastructure and car parks
(see Figure
1 (PDF, 78kb The buildings and structures remaining on the site date from between
1935 and 1990s. The majority of the buildings remaining on the site have
some level of heritage significance. Surrounding Lands
The former School of Artillery is located in the centre of the North Head peninsula and is adjacent to a number of other historic and significant landuses. The site is totally surrounded by Sydney Harbour National Park, including the former Quarantine Station to the west. National Parks and Wildlife Service propose to lease the Quarantine Station to allow for the adaptive re-use of buildings for education and hotel accommodation and related facilities. The proposal includes water and shuttle access from Manly, visitor centre, restaurant and bar facilities, accommodation, conference and function facilities, health retreat and spa and a range of interpretive programs and residential education programs. On the boundary of the National Park, to the north-east of the site is the North Head Sewerage Treatment Plant, owned and managed by Sydney Water. Sydney Water is currently undertaking the North Head Product and Reliability upgrade, which will include some upgrades of odour management facilities. To the west is the Australian Institute of Police Management which provides accommodation and training for the Federal Police. The Institute is also planning to expand the facilities they provide in the near future. At the entrance to the headland on Darley Road, land uses include Manly Hospital, St Patrick’s Estate including St Paul’s College and the International College of Management, Sydney. North Head provides a spectacular vantage point for a number of headland and harbour related events each year including New Years Eve and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. These events draw large numbers of people to the headland for short periods of time. Throughout the year tourists are drawn to North Head for its spectacular vistas of the entrance to Sydney Harbour. The intense commercial area of Manly on its narrow isthmus constrains
road access to the site and North Head’s sensitive marine environment
(including Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve and North Harbour Aquatic
Reserve) and the Little Penguin habitats which constrains water access.
Darley Road is the only road in and out of the site and its western section
is heavily congested, especially in peak periods. Site Analysis
Bushland and Natural Values Geological and Hydrological CharacterNorth Head is an outlying remnant of the Hornsby Plateau from which it became separated by erosional forces during periods of lower sea levels towards the end of the last ice age. This resulted in North Head being a tied island, joined to the mainland by a sand spit where Manly village is now located. Elevated sand dunes cover much of the middle area of North Head in the area of the former School of Artillery and generally above the 80 metre contour, with the highest point being 115 metres above sea level. These wind-deposited sands may be up to 140,000 years old from the Pleistocene Epoch. A significant portion of the dune area remains undisturbed and unaltered by development, making North Head the only remaining example of undisturbed, vegetated high-altitude sand dunes in the Sydney Region. The sedimentary Hawkesbury Sandstone underlying North Head forms an impervious
rock layer, with water flowing through cracks and joins between the sandstone
and shale units. The sandy soils on North Head have little water-holding
capacity causing rapid rainwater infiltration to feed springs at lower
levels. Seepage and surface run-off flow into small ephemeral streams
while one of the few remaining perennial streams in Sydney Harbour flows
out at Collins Beach. Localised depressions in the sandstone also support
ephemeral perched wetlands. Natural LandscapeNorth Head provides a unique range of remnant habitats for native flora and fauna only 11 km north east of the Sydney CBD. The habitats relate to the headland’s Hawkesbury sandstone geology, sandy nutrient-poor soils, its predominant westerly aspect and relatively undisturbed elevated topography, drought, strong winds, salty air and fire. Although relatively intact, the bushland has significantly changed from pre-European times due to impacts of altered fire regimes, sporadic clearing of vegetation, weed & feral animal incursion, and altered drainage. The vegetation resulting from the geology and climatic influences on
North Head is dominated by the Sydney Sandstone Complex on the slopes,
within which there are several variations, and capped with Coastal Dune
Heath (covering most of the Trust lands) supporting a structure of Heath
and Scrub (Figure
3 (PDF, 168kb In July 2002, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust commissioned GIS Environmental Consultants to conduct both a flora and fauna study of Trust land (former School of Artillery), Sydney Harbour National Park, and the Australian Institute of Police Management land. FloraThe Flora survey confirmed that the vegetation of North Head contains a high species richness which reflects the wide variety of topography, soils, aspect, microclimate and fire history of the site. A total of 586 vascular plant species were recorded at North Head, of which 428 are local native species, 159 are introduced, of which 29 are classified as Noxious Weeds in the Manly Local Government Area. The plant communities comprise low and tall heath, scrub, woodland, grassland, fernland, perched wetland, and littoral rainforest. The deep sand dunes and skeletal soils of the sandstone outcrops provide habitat for a colourful array of wildflower species, small native birds, invertebrates, reptiles, and an endangered population of Long-nosed Bandicoots. North Head contains Sydney Harbour’s most extensive area of heath and scrub vegetation, including the largest intact remnant of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS), declared an Endangered Ecological Community under the EPBC Act 1999 & the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Less than 3% of the original distribution of ESBS remains. ESBS is found on the white leached sand deposits of the exposed ridge top, covering an area of 77.7 ha within the former School of Artillery and parts of Sydney Harbour National Park. Typical species of ESBS include Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia), Banksia aemula (Wallum Banksia), Monotoca elliptica, (Tree Broom Heath) and Xanthorrhoea resinosa, (Spear Grass Tree). A Recovery Plan for ESBS has been prepared by National Parks to guide this management plan. Other plant communities considered to be rare or unusual at North Head are Leptospermum laevigatum, (Coastal Tea-tree), Scrub, Wet Heathland, Prostrate Heathland, and Dwarf Heathland. The shallow sandy soils on Hawkesbury Sandstone support heathland dominated by, Banksia ericifolia, (Heath Banksia), Allocasuarina paradoxa, (Dwarf She Oak) and Persoonia lanceolata, (Lance-leaf Geebung). 51 nationally or locally significant species and 10 rare or uncommon species were recorded including Rulingia hermaniifolia, (a wet heath ground cover); Gonocarpus salsoloides, (Nodding Raspwort); and Erythrorchis cassythoides, (a rare climbing orchid). There are four plant species listed as vulnerable or endangered under
the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and / or the
Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999 recorded on the site:
FaunaThe Fauna survey confirmed the richness, abundance and distribution of fauna species that have been recorded previously on North Head, which continue to occur as a result of the ecological isolation of the headland, soil type, vegetation structure, the scarcity of freshwater, and the area’s unique history of limited disturbance. These influences have combined to create the broad range of fauna habitats that are now found across the headland. A total of 146 fauna species have been recorded at North Head including 96 bird species, 22 mammals (9 were introduced species), 24 reptiles and 4 amphibians including endangered populations of Permameles nasuta (Long-nosed Bandicoot) and Eudyptula minor (Little Penguin). Two mammal species listed as vulnerable and one mammal population listed
as endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Act 1995 and /
or the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999 were found on the study site
during the field survey:
Until recently, about 96 different birds have been recorded on North Head, including several that migrate from Asia and other parts of Australia. When Birds Australia conducted a major survey in 2006, they found another nine species living on, or visiting the headland. One endangered bird population and two endangered bird species have been recently recorded on the study site. In addition, three seabird species have been recently sighted from North Head and suitable habitat for three other threatened bird species occurs on North Head.
The report recommends a series of actions to be undertaken in order to manage the fauna at North Head that have been incorporated into the site Outcomes section of the Plan. Threats to BiodiversityThe main threats to biodiversity on North Head are:
A series of actions have been recommended in order to manage species diversity at North Head. These recommendations have been incorporated into the Outcomes section. Bush Fire ManagementDue to the area’s former use by defence, most of North Head has not burnt for up to 40 years. The heath and scrub vegetation has evolved with fire over many thousands of years to the extent that they require fire to trigger reproduction. For many of the native plants, fire stimulates flowering and seed dispersal, germination of the soil-stored seedbank, or regrowth from epicormic buds and lignotubers (depending on the species and its tolerance to fire). Absence of fire has favoured dominance of up to 8m senescent Leptospermum laevigatum (Tea Tree Scrub) whose tall thick canopy suppresses regeneration of the diverse range of groundcover and shrub species.
The National Parks & Wildlife Service has recently (2006) prepared in conjunction with the Trust and other land managers, an integrated Fire Management Strategy for Sydney Harbour National Park, North Head precinct. This plan outlines the Bushfire Risk Management Strategies for the whole of North Head area including the former School of Artillery. The Trust is represented on the Manly-Mosman-North Sydney Bush Fire Management Committee set up as a statutory requirement under the NSW Rural Fires Act 1997. The Manly-Mosman-North Sydney Bush Fire Risk Management Plan and Operations Plan guide the preparation of sub-plans for specific areas. Hazard reduction proposals, including mechanical clearance and prescribed burns for asset protection, are submitted for approval to the Committee each year ahead of the designated bush fire season. In 2002 Conacher Travers prepared an Interim Bushfire Management Plan for the former School of Artillery. This plan provides guidelines for the protection of life and property, and the natural and cultural heritage assets of the site including the heritage stone walls and the 3rd Quarantine Cemetery. The plan identifies a series of future planning strategies in relation
to bushfire management as identified below:
A Modified Landscape
The built form outside the central core is characterised in two ways. Firstly there is the suburban nature and pattern of the housing with the style, lot sizes, placement on the high side of the road, and landscape features, however, it retains a clear institutional character. This creates a contrast between the regimental, ceremonial and hierarchical nature of the central core buildings and the repetitive domestic buildings. The main approach to the core is a deliberate design intended to conceal the gateway until aligned with the axis. The remaining buildings can be characterised as being largely functional, ancillary and subservient to the site. These structures are not arranged along the central axis but are specifically located near the core, in the bush, or beside the road, for operational reasons. They comprise structures associated with the battery such as Observation Posts and the Plotting Room that were deliberately concealed, or sheds and workshops providing support to the battery or the School. These structures are both concentrated in proximity to the core, and are scattered further around the site either as isolated units or small groupings. The development of the School of Artillery complex has seen the introduction of exotic species in the form of grasses and ornamental horticulture. There are many ornamental species planted around the central core and other buildings including the houses. The most obvious introduced species are the radiata pines around the oval and the flamboyant pink oleanders. Species appear to have been chosen due to their hardiness to the coastal climate and poor soils and have survived remarkably well. The character of the plantings reflect the stylish influence of the inter-war
period and relates to the formal axial planting of the complex being symmetrical
groupings of the Hill’s Fig, Moreton Bay Fig, West Australian Peppermint,
Pencil Pines and Oleanders. The Norfolk Island pines planted on the parade
ground help to define the axis. Evidence suggests that the range of species
was purposefully selected to represent species from across Australia (Figure
4 - PDF, 205kb There is a sense that the surrounding bushland is ‘knocking at the door’ and preparing to overtake this formal landscape if given the chance. Given the lack of human activity on the site over recent years the natural vegetation is regenerating where and when circumstances permit.
Heritage Conservation
Aboriginal HeritageAlthough the Trust has not yet commissioned any studies related directly to Aboriginal Heritage. Two studies have previously been carried out for the Department of Defence and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. In 2001 Darwala-Lia was commissioned by NPWS to undertake a survey of the National Park lands at North Head, however the report argues for the whole headland to be recorded as one site, or place of Aboriginal Heritage on the basis that it is a ‘cultural island’ that both European and Aboriginal people have excluded from the more regular or urbane uses occurring in the surrounding landscapes. The study found that for Aboriginal people it is a cultural place because:
North Head, because of its island and landmark qualities and the 360 degree views it offers, was distinguished from day-to-day sites; it was an extraordinary site to the Aboriginal people. Such sites were managed by those with birthright and were restricted from open access. Darwala-Lia state that the koradgee (medicine men and women healers) would have occupied North Head intermittently and performed highly spiritual and cultural ceremonies and rituals, including burials, there. Whilst most of the 26 sites and artefacts identified in this study are located on the resource-rich western side of North Head, Darwala-Lia point out that this does not mean that the eastern side is less significant. The artefact scatters on the western side are evidence of the labours of support crews (wives, children trainees) to the koradgee. Darwala-Lia note that the lack of found arefacts on the eastern side must not detract from the notion that people used it for the resources it offered, whether it was sandstone platform or a tool preparation area. The few found tools within the former School of Artillery site are evidence that North Head was also a place of trade and exchange. The eastern side was also subject to Aboriginal cultural landscape management associated with fire. Bradley’s description of his ‘easy walk’ from Spring Cove to North Head indicates how the vegetation has changed with the cessation of Aboriginal fire regimes. Darwala-Lia concluded that North Head was a unique place of great Aboriginal significance and association. They also added that it was difficult to define this significance in Aboriginal terms. A much wider range of surveys, studies, and consultation would be needed to do this. They recommended the following work:
The Department of Defence study, carried out by Manidis Roberts in 1996 covered the School of Artillery site (excluding the northern section). This study included a field investigation of the grounds which found an open site at which three stone artefacts were identified. In addition, two other isolated artefacts were found. Whilst this report concluded that the study area was assessed as having either ‘lower’ or ‘minimal’ archaeological significance value, it also noted that some intact soil profiles had been identified leaving the potential for pockets of undisturbed deposits in the bushland area. In addition, the report noted that there is a very strong possibility that this eastern portion of North Head was an important place for open campsites and more importantly, burials. Atypically for headlands, the School of Artillery site contains sand deposits that are up to 2 metres deep leaving the strong possibility of containing burials. If such sites were found at any time, their archaeological significance value would be very high. The study concluded that the bushland/undeveloped areas of the site were of ‘lower’ significance. Management strategies for these areas were recommended which included archaeological supervision and excavation permits where soil disturbance, either superficial or subsurface respectively was undertaken. If deposits are ever found, full assessments of significance would be required before proceeding with intended works. No management actions were recommended for other areas assessed as having ‘minimal’ significance, unless artefacts or sites were found, in which case the previously mentioned strategies would apply. In order to identify any physical remains and to assist in the future management and interpretation of the site, the Trust will now engage archaeologists to undertake a full survey and Conservation Management Plan for the Aboriginal Heritage of the former School of Artillery. This will need to be carefully co-ordinated for access with hazard reduction and ecological burns. This report will be available in 2006. The Trust will consult with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
in the identification and management of Indigenous Heritage Values of
the place in accordance with the principles of Ask First: A guide
to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values. European HeritageThe Sydney Heads became the portals to one of the greatest harbours in the world. Both North and South Heads have played a crucial role in the cultural and military life of the 19th Century colony of NSW and the 20th Century defences of the Harbour during WWII. The isolation and prominence of North Head continued to influence its
use. From the beginnings of European settlement with the First Fleet,
North Head has played a special role - as an isolated location for Quarantine
and hospital purposes, a strategic location for defence purposes and a
scenic location and setting as a place of public recreation (Figure
5 - PDF, 49kb The Quarantine Reserve and Institutional usesThe early European colonists’ overland exploratory expeditions to Pittwater and Broken Bay commenced at Manly Cove. It is thought that a marine navigational aid, now known as the Obelisk, was erected c. 1807– 1809. In 1810, an area of 100 acres was granted to Richard Cheers. This grant was situated south of Ashburner Street. Spring Cove, probably named due to the natural spring here, was used as a place of quarantine from 1828. Following the Australian Quarantine Act of 1832, a Quarantine Reserve was established by the dedication in 1833 of all land within a quarter of a mile of the high water mark at Spring Cove. This reserve was extended in 1837 to include the whole of North Head to the southern boundary of Richard Cheers’ 100 acre grant. The area remained isolated until 1859 when a sixty acre grant, excised from the land previously set aside for the Quarantine area, was made for the construction of a residence for the Catholic Archbishop. In 1879 a seminary was also established. High stone walls were constructed to separate the facility from the Quarantine Station. These stone walls were to become distinctive features of the landscape at North Head as their use was extended to separate other newly developing areas from the Quarantine Station. The third cemetery, located within the former Artillery School site, and associated with the Quarantine Station, was dedicated in 1881 and its establishment coincided with the smallpox epidemic of that time. This cemetery, which closed in 1925, was also used for the victims of the bubonic plague of 1900 and the influenza epidemic of 1919. It was later used to hold the remains of some returned WW1 servicemen, but due to the difficulty of maintaining graves on the site they were later relocated by the War Graves Commission. The growth of recreation and nearby residential development at Manly in the second half of the nineteenth century led to increasing demands from the public and local government for more recreation areas at North Head. In 1886, the NSW Colonial Government, bowing to local pressure, rescinded part of the 1859 church grant and allocated the disputed area (at and around Shelly Beach) for public use. At Federation in 1901, political moves commenced for the transfer of the former Colony of New South Wales Quarantine Station to the Commonwealth. The Station then became the responsibility of the newly formed Commonwealth Department of Health. However, the transfer of responsibilities took several years to take effect, and the property status and extent of the Quarantine Reserve was to become the subject of dispute between the NSW and Federal governments. In 1909, the responsibility for the Quarantine Station was transferred to the Commonwealth Government. The Quarantine Station continued to function until the advent and widespread use of air travel in the 1950s and 1960s. The last ship to be quarantined was in 1972. The NSW Government subsequently pressed for the Commonwealth to release part of the quarantine land for construction of a local hospital and 12 acres were granted to the NSW State Government for this purpose in 1917. In 1926 a portion of the Commonwealth quarantine area was excised for the establishment of the Northern Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer at Bluefish Point. Work had begun in 1916 on a sewerage system which was finally completed in 1930. A cobblestone ‘Avenue of Honour’, on the eastern side of the area, was open in 1928. This road was intended to provide a circuit of the eastern portion, but the return section, along the seaward side of the Head, may never have been completed. The Norfolk Island pines which currently survive on the headlands could be remnants of an extensive planting program undertaken by Manly Council in 1933 as a memorial to soldiers from Manly Warringah killed in WW1. In 1930, the Federal cabinet agreed to the allocation of 200 acres of the Quarantine Reserve to Manly Council for public use on the condition that Council construct a stone boundary wall to isolate it from the Quarantine Station. This wall was erected under the aegis of an Unemployment Relief Scheme and a road and pathway to vantage points were also constructed. This became Parkhill Reserve, named after the Postmaster-General, the Hon. Archdale Parkhill who opened it in June 1933. In 1934 events in Europe and Asia led the Federal Government to withdraw permissive occupancy from most of the Reserve, in order to construct the North Head Fort and the associated Barracks Group complex. Permissive occupancy of the Parkhill and Loop precincts, which were not immediately required for defence purposes, was subsequently returned by the Commonwealth and re-opened for public recreational uses in 1936. In 1979, the reserve was transferred from the Commonwealth back in to
the ownership of the NSW State Government, and reserved as part of the
Sydney Harbour National Park under the administration
of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The transfer of the remains
of the Quarantine Station followed in 1984. Military History The former School of Artillery, the North Fort complex and the many
remnant military installations at North Head all provide evidence of the
military defence of Australia’s largest population and the industrial
centre during the threat of invasion in WWII. It was the first constructed
and one of the most important elements of the national chain of major
coastal artillery facilities installed in the late 1930s in anticipation
of a naval invasion (Figure
6 - PDF, 77kb Pre–War DefenceIn 1830, the unannounced arrival of two American warships in the harbour prompted the reservation of reserve land at Middle Head, Georges Head, Bradleys Head, Pinchgut Island, South Head and North Head for military purposes. However, North Head was not developed at that time for military purposes. In the early to mid 1930s the Commonwealth Department of Defence embarked
on a program of increasing or upgrading armaments at existing coastal
defence sites and of increasing the number of coastal defence sites. In
the Sydney region new emplacements were planned for North Head and Cape
Banks and in March 1934 the guns (two 9.2 inch Mark 10 guns on Mark 7
mountings) were purchased for installation at North Head (Figure 7). These
two guns were to be supported by six-inch batteries at South Head. North
Head was to play a central role in the defence of Sydney Harbour, a role
determined after an assessment of the Japanese threat and naval capacity.
Figure 7: A 9.2 inch gun
being unloaded onto the wharf at Quarantine Beach by ‘Titan’,
Construction of the concrete emplacements, magazines, engine room, pump chambers, tunnels and plotting room was completed early in 1936. Installation of the guns, which had been shipped from England, took place between February and June 1936. These guns were capable of targeting shipping between Botany Bay and Broken Bay, guided by a series of observation posts distributed along the coast some two and a half miles to six miles (4km to 10km) apart. Information was sent to the batteries by telephone. There was a close defence battery observation post 400m north of the south gate and also a counter battery observation post 150 metres south of the northern gate with an accommodation blockhouse behind it.
Figure 7: The 9.2 inch
gun was a major part of the North Head Battery and played Prior to the construction of more permanent accommodation, the gun detachments
and other personnel were accommodated in tents near the West Gate between
the Fort and the Barracks, on the north side of the Fort wall. Two married
quarters barracks were constructed near the South Gate on North Head Scenic
Drive (Buildings 201 and 203 – Figure
1 (PDF, 77kb The main barracks complex, the North Head Fort Barracks Group, was erected in the years 1936 and 1937, below the North Head central ridge and the trajectory line of the guns. The new quarters, arranged around a grand red gravel parade ground, were the largest barracks erected in Australia in the pre-war years. Two large cottages for the Battery Commanders were also constructed in the pre-war period (Buildings 51 & 53). Four cottages for non-commissioned officers (NCOs) (Buildings 101, 102, 104 & 105) were also constructed prior to the war. The grounds of the Barracks complex were landscaped with lawns, rockeries and flower beds to complement the building and a new road led from the Barracks through the North Head Fort gate to the gun emplacements and their associated equipment. The 1st Heavy Brigade moved its headquarters to North Head in 1938 and the 2nd Heavy Battery took over responsibility for the 9.2 inch guns. Coastal defence depended on the co-ordination and combination of these heavy guns with six-inch guns for close defence and in the harbour by searchlights, booms, mines, anti submarine nets and armed vessels. The barracks complex was completed in 1938 and initially housed the 1st
Australian Coast Artillery Brigade Head Quarters.
Figure 9: The Plotting
Room was located underground in building 74. This building
Figure 10: Layout of the
Sydney Fire Command coastal defence system during
World War IIBefore the war, 1940, the entire Sydney Defence had been commanded from the North Head Barracks, but after the outbreak of the war this was transferred to the Commanding Officer of the 5th Brigade at Dover Heights. This unit had the responsibility for operations at North Head, South Head, Middle Head and Georges Heights. However, the North Head Fort functioned as a complete defence system that was manned twenty-four hours per day during the critical years of the war, when the Japanese threat became active. With its large number and type of weapons, North Head was one of the most heavily fortified sites in Australian history. During WWII, additional facilities were installed and North Head Fort comprised two major components. Firstly, the 9.2 inch gun emplacements with fire control support and barracks and secondly, beyond the barracks group, the entire North Head area operated as a major defence installation. By the end of the war there were two dummy gun emplacements near the Loop Road; three Bofors Anti – Aircraft (AA) guns; a 3.7 inch AA battery at the Barracks; the Bluefish AA site with 3.7 inch guns; coastal search lights, observation posts and shelters; engine rooms and the Bluefish Radar installation. The Bluefish Radar Station, which was installed in 1942, was the second land based radar set in Australia and is now the oldest surviving radar site in the nation. The Bluefish Anti-Aircraft Battery consisted of a command post, located on the eastern or cliff side and four 3.7 inch gun emplacements, ranged in an arc on the city side of the Point. By 1943 a report had been prepared concerning the defence of Sydney against an invading sea-borne assault force. A report dealing with possible enemy landing sites concluded that Long Reef Beach would have provided the most favourable conditions for an amphibious landing. Defensive positions for rifle fire against invading troops were set up throughout the whole North Head area. By mid 1943 the threat of attack on Sydney had diminished to the extent
that the Bofors personnel were transferred from the fortress and by 1945
a complete wind down had commenced, with the radar detachments leaving
in April.
Figure 11: Shows the location
of the infrastructure at North Battery, associated Communication: The Plotting Rooms
received data from the Observation Posts at North Guns: North Battery contained
two 9.2 inch guns which had a range of 26,400 metres.
Post World War II: The School of ArtilleryPrior to WWII the Land Headquarters School of Artillery was located at Watsons Bay. It offered courses in field, coast and anti-aircraft artillery primarily for officers and NCOs. By 1940 the School had moved to Holsworthy and conducted courses in field artillery only. Coast artillery was believed to be able to man and train its own units without help from the School. As a result of this, by 1942, each of the coastal batteries were inventing their own fire control methods and using a wide range of non-conforming guns and ammunition. A Coast Wing of the School was created in 1943 but by this time there was no longer a credible threat to Australian ports from surface vessels. Through a series of re-organisations after the war, a single school was concentrated at North Head becoming the Army School of Artillery in 1946. Following the War, the defence forces experienced a significant shortage
of staff as soldiers of all ranks hurried to demobilise and take discharge.
In order to boost
Figure 12: In this photo
a group of AWAS students are watching a demonstration During the 1950s the strength of the School fluctuated and it was reorganised into various instructional wings. By the 1960s it was comprised of a Gunnery & Equipment Wing; a Guided Weapons & Nuclear Warfare Wing; a Recruit Training Wing; and a Physical & Recreational Training Wing. The 1st Field Regiment was formed there in 1949 and acted as a depot
unit for the school. By 1950 a number of new buildings were constructed
to accommodate the school -
Figure 1 (PDF, 77kb In 1952, all the guns, mountings, electrical equipment and diesel generators related to the 9.2 inch battery were removed and placed in long term storage. Only the hydraulic hoists from the magazines and the concrete emplacements and series of tunnels and observation posts remained. Various surface buildings were kept at North Fort, including the brick cottages, fibro kitchen shelters and the building now occupied by the Museum, the former North Fort Workshop. The conflict in Vietnam escalated through 1965 and Australia increased
the number of civilians drafted for National Service. Consequently, there
was an increased requirement to train soldiers. The School of Artillery
saw significant increase in activity including the establishment of a
new training wing, Locating Wing, which was responsible for all courses
related to meteorology and locating artillery.
Figure 13: The Parade
Ground forms the grand red centrepiece of the axially In 1968 a number of ambitious new planning initiatives were prepared for the North Fort and School of Artillery precincts. Only a few of these projects were completed, including the Officer’s Mess Annexe (Building 46) and the Radar Store complex (Buildings 64, 65, & 67). The physical limitations of the School of Artillery site, which would eventually bring about its relocation, were probably clearly evident at this time. Although few permanent buildings were constructed after 1968, the proliferation of demountable buildings (Buildings 40, 42 & 68) testified to the continuing growth of activity of the School of Artillery. Following the end of the Vietnam War and during the 1970s, the School continued to undergo numerous restructures. In 1979, North Fort was opened to the public for the first time. Live firing to sea ceased in the early 1980s following the handover of the cliff curtilage to the NPWS. The last gun to be fired was the occasion of the firing of the new M198 gun in 1984. By 1981, the facilities at North Head were considered to be insufficient for training requirements and the environmental impacts on the area too great. The then Minister for the Defence and the NSW Premier agreed to investigate alternative areas to meet those needs. By 1986 this relocation program was cancelled. In 1988, the School took delivery of the first 6 production Hamel Guns
and underwent a re-building program that saw the erection of numerous
demountable facilities on the site.
Figure 13: In 1981, the
Australian Army chose the Hamel Gun to replace its ageing A ‘fall of shot’ simulator was housed in a room in the gatehouse and some field experience was provided on site by the use of small gun that fired projectile a short distance producing a puff of smoke on impact. This was used firstly in the Hanging Swamp near North Fort and later, in the 1990s on the other side of the stone wall, on what became known as the 2.7 inch sub-calibre training area. A series of timber boardwalks were provided leading to small grandstands to allow the students to observe the fall of shot. Although overgrown, a number of these structures remain today. In December 1989 the Artillery directorate was relocated from Canberra to the School of Artillery at North Head. The 1991-1992 works program saw the re-roofing of all major buildings, and the redesign and upgrading of all barracks accommodation. New office facilities for Locating Wing were also completed in November 1992 enabling all North Fort buildings to be made available to the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) National Museum, which was established in 1990 within the North Fort area. The limitations of the North Head area for the practical purposes of
the School of Artillery, which included its remoteness from artillery
firing ranges, became insupportable with the postwar development of the
School, and the long-term strategy was to remove the School of Artillery
from North Head to Puckapunyal in Victoria. New buildings were completed
at Puckapunyal between the years of 1995 and 1997, and at the end of 1997
/ early 1998, the School was relocated.
Figure 15: After 50 years
at North Head, the Artillery Troops march out for the last time in 1996.
Heritage Listings The former School of Artillery is listed as ‘The North Head Artillery Barracks, North Head Scenic Drive, Manly’, Historic Place No. 105431 on the Commonwealth Heritage List (Place File No. 1/13/024/0005). ‘North Head’ is also listed on the National Heritage List. A Summary Statement of Significance for the North Head site is on the Australian Heritage Database – www.deh.gov.au As of January 1st 2004, changes to the Commonwealth heritage legislation mean that the EPBC Act now regulates all actions relating to National and Commonwealth Heritage Places. These controls are described in the section of the plan dealing with the Statutory Planning Context. North Head is also listed on the Register of the National Estate as:
North Head Quarantine Station and Reserve is listed on the State Heritage Register under the NSW Heritage Act 1977. Manly LEP 1988 lists the following ‘Architectural and Archaeological Items’ at North Head:
The following ‘Landscape Items’ located either within or immediately adjacent to the Defence site are listed under Manly LEP 1988:
Conservation Management PlanIn November 2004 The Trust commissioned Peter Freeman Pty Ltd to prepare an updated detailed management plan for the primary buildings and cultural landscape items at School of Artillery Precinct, North Head. The boundary for this CMP covered all the inner and outer core buildings as well as the 1930s. All structures to the east of the stone wall were excluded from this study. Detailed inventories are now being prepared for each building to guide future works. A separate conservation management plan will also be prepared for the observation posts and the plotting room. The draft CMP identifies 6 distinct precincts within the study area and provides detailed recommendations for conservation policies and the adaptive re-use of the site. These recommendations are addressed in the Outcomes section of the Plan. Archaeological AssessmentsA non-indigenous archaeological report was included as part of the detailed
CMP for North Head. This report was confined to the study boundary only,
ie: (The Central and Outer Core buildings and the 1930s houses). In summary
it found that the lands within this study boundary were assessed as having
low archaeological potential for non-indigenous archaeological remains.
Two areas within this boundary were identified as requiring further research.
These are identified as areas E and G - Figure
16 (PDF, 107kb Other areas of the site have not been fully surveyed for their archaeological potential. More cursory site surveys with staff of the North Fort Museum have identified areas that evidently contain surface and sub-surface remains of infrastructure associated with the Battery and the School of Artillery. These areas are detailed as areas A, C D and F in Figure 16. Prior to undertaking any works in these areas, the Trust will commission detailed archaeological surveys. The 3rd Quarantine Cemetery (Area B - Figure
16 (PDF, 107kb
Site Contamination and Hazardous Building Materials The North Head School of Artillery has a long history of military use dating back to the 1920s. As such, the site may reasonably be expected to have a degree of contamination arising from military activities or facilities, or related uses. Following its vacation of the School of Artillery, the Department of Defence carried out a program of contamination assessment, remediation and validation of the site to address potential contamination. The following reports have been made available to the Trust documenting this work. Contaminant sources identified by these assessments include those associated with building hazardous materials such as lead paint and asbestos, storage of petroleum fuels and chemicals, fuel spillage, filling and dumping, stormwater sediments, radioactive materials and the storage and use of military materials. The Trust notes that no contaminated land audit of this work has been carried out, and that Defence continues to occupy and manage a portion of the site (the North Fort complex). The following is summarised from this work: Hazardous Building MaterialsSignificant quantities of hazardous materials remain as part of the site building fabric. However, no information is available regarding the nature of these materials, location, quantity, condition or requirement for remediation. To the Trust’s knowledge, no remediation of these materials has been carried out. Asbestos building materials are evident in a number of buildings across the site, including asbestos sheeting and friable asbestos insulation. Building rubble has also been identified in a number of bushland areas where previous structures have been removed. Lead based painted surfaces were identified throughout the site structures. However, no information was presented regarding location, condition or requirement for remediation. To the Trust’s knowledge, no lead paint abatement work has been carried out (apart from that carried out by the Trust for refurbishment of buildings to date). No information was reported regarding the potential presence of other types of hazardous materials, such as polychlorinated biphenyls in light capacitors or other electrical equipment and synthetic mineral fibre materials. Radioactive MaterialsTwo buildings were identified where radioactive sources were known or thought to have been stored. These buildings were the ARMCO facility (building 34) and building 213. A radioactivity survey was undertaken which did not identify any radioactive residues or sources in these buildings. Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)At least four underground storage tanks (USTs) were located on the site. A petroleum UST was located to the east of building 1 (barracks), one large diesel UST was located east of the oil store (building 48), and two small diesel USTs were located in front of the workshops (building 20). Although it is unknown when this occurred, the two small USTs at the workshops are thought to have been removed when the large UST at building 48 was installed. The petroleum and diesel USTs were decommissioned, removed and remediated by the Department of Defence in 2001. The assessment identified that the petroleum UST at building 1 had leaked due to the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in the groundwater immediately down-gradient of the tanks. When this tank was removed, gross petroleum contamination was encountered in sandy soils beneath the tank and in the vicinity of the main mess building. It was reported that most of this contamination had been removed, but due to structural constraints some contamination was left beneath the building. Petroleum hydrocarbon exceeding relevant criteria has been identified in groundwater down-gradient of the tank at various stages following remediation. It has been recommended that groundwater monitoring be carried out at wells down-gradient of the building 1 UST at six monthly intervals to confirm that contaminant levels decline to below the relevant criteria. It was reported that no residual contamination remained in soils following removal of the diesel UST, and that no hydrocarbon contamination was found in down-gradient groundwater. Military MaterialsVarious artillery weapons, both full calibre and sub-calibre, have been fired at North Head since the 1920s, with all full calibre firings being conducted seawards. Therefore, the Department of Defence lists the site on its unexploded ordnance (UXO) register, however it assessed it as having no significant residual UXO contamination. An investigation and survey of residual military materials was carried out as part of the assessment. This indicated that there was a minimal risk to human health or the environment associated with military materials that may have arisen from the above activity. However, it is considered that a ‘reasonable quantity’ of ordnance waste is likely to remain on the site. It was recommended that no further investigation or clearance were warranted at the site while it remained inaccessible to the public. However, mainly due to the perceived public risk, it was recommended that should public access or tracks be created in certain areas of the site, then an additional search and clearance of materials should be conducted. These areas are the former ranges to the east of the stone wall not previously adequately investigated due to vegetation density. Stormwater SedimentsStormwater sediments in 24 pits located in the former School of Artillery area were identified to contain either heavy metal or asbestos contamination. This sediment was removed offsite to licensed landfill as part of the remediation program carried out by the Department of Defence. Dumped Waste MaterialsA number of potentially contaminated waste material stockpiles were identified in the assessment. These were reportedly removed to licensed landfill as part of the remediation program carried out by the Department of Defence. Oil StainingOil stains were identified in and around the workshops located in the former School of Artillery area. These were reportedly removed as part of the remediation program carried out by the Department of Defence.
Services In December 2001, PPK Consulting undertook a detailed survey in order to establish the extent and condition of site services. The study looked at water and fire services, sewerage, electricity, telecommunications, gas and fuel services. Sewerage SystemThe sewerage system at the North Head site consists of a network of gravity pipes falling to a sewer main on the western side of North Head Scenic Drive in land controlled by National Parks and Wildlife Service. The sewer pipe network on the former School of Artillery site is in poor condition with a high percentage of the pipes blocked and showing signs of structural failure. The Trust has programmed repairs and to date has renewed sewerage lines and manholes along St. Barbaras Ave and upgraded connections to buildings on the western side of the Parade Ground. Sewerage fixtures and services within buildings are acceptable. WaterThe water system consists of a pump station at the end of Artillery Drive, two reservoirs and a gravity reticulation system. The site is connected to the Sydney Water supply main at the corner of Bluefish and Artillery Drives. The main water supply and hydrant network on the site is in poor condition with ongoing problems involving breakages and leaking mains. A major upgrade is necessary. Water fixtures and services within buildings are acceptable. FireThe fire hydrant system is part of the water network described above. Minor work has been undertaken including installation of a fire booster system on Artillery Drive, however a major upgrade is necessary. ElectricityAn overhead 11kv high voltage main runs through the site supplying North Fort, Quarantine Station and the National Park. Energy Australia has advised that the site substation is in poor condition and is in need of a major overhaul. Electrical distribution boards will also require upgrading to increase capacity and additional wiring will be needed. Some rewiring may also be necessary. StormwaterThe stormwater reticulation network suffers from the same problem as the sewers-structural failure of pits and pipes, tree root invasion and siltation. The system has uncontrolled discharge to the surrounding bushland which will need to be rectified. Defence HousesServices within the allotments have been regularly maintained and upgraded as required. While the individual services have been maintained, the connection to the overall site infrastructure and its poor serviceability limits the reliability of the services.
There are over 80 buildings on the North Head site. The major buildings are of full masonry construction, while there are also a number of steel clad sheds, garages and storage buildings. The main problem facing the full masonry buildings, particularly the
ones that have remained unoccupied, is the corrosion and failure of the
steel cavity ties and poor quality mortar mix. Conservation and maintenance
will involve significant repairs and repointing of brickwork. There are
also problems with water ingress through roofing and flashings. The site
is predominantly sandy foundation material that has contributed to footing
failure and structural damage.
Compliance with the Building Code of Australia Many aspects of the buildings at North Head have a range of features that do not comply with the current Building Code of Australia (BCA). The primary compliance issues are stairs, handrails and balustrades in addition to issues of access and mobility for people with disabilities and the provision of appropriate amenities. The existing buildings and structures on the site are to be upgraded or refurbished to enable occupation. Preliminary BCA compliance reports have been undertaken to facilitate public access for specific events such as the short term use of the Gymnasium and the three day Sanctuary Conference in 2002 (Building 1). BCA reports have also been undertaken for the Sergeants’ Mess, Officers’ Mess and Roden Cutler Buildings. HACCP reports have been completed for food handling facilities within the Officers’ Mess, Other Ranks Mess and the Sergeants’ Mess. The BCA and HACCAP compliance reports recommend minor works to be carried
out to those buildings listed above such as modifications to the doors,
stairs and repair works to the floors, walls and ceilings. The houses predate the BCA, but the essential safety actions would be the installation of smoke alarms, electrical safety switches and an assessment of non-compliant glazing. The use of lead based paint poses a risk that requires management. Identification of more specific building compliance issues will be carried out once individual building uses have been determined. The heritage values of the site will need consideration in the development of appropriate solutions.
Transport Management In 2004 the Trust commissioned PBA International to prepare a Transport Management Plan (TMP) for the School of Artillery at North Head. The Transport Management Plan (TMP) for North Head SoA and previous traffic studies have consistently recognised that the cumulative impact of future developments at North Head are a major issue in maintaining the environmental capacity of Darley Road and Manly town centre. The TMP identifies measure to minimise reliance on access by private motor vehicles and to maximise access by public transport, walking and cycling. The TMP also considers the cumulative impacts of the development of Trust lands and neighbouring sites such as the Quarantine Station, the AIPM and the Sewerage Treatment Plant. Consultation with key agencies such as the AIPM, NPWS, and their leasee Mawlands and Manly Council was integral to the development of the plan. General recommendations of the TMP identify:
To summarise, the package of measures recommended aims to achieve the following:
Together the package of measures aims to reduce car-dependency and encourage access to and within the site by more sustainable modes of transport.
Traffic, Parking and Access In order to reduce the environmental and amenity impacts of increased traffic generation, one of the Trust’s overall transport management objectives is to minimise travel demand by private car. This includes limiting car use through the setting of maximum number of parking spaces on Trust sites that are consistent with their traditional operational levels. Under Defence occupation the car parking was spread across the site in small groups, serving specific buildings and areas. There was no concentrated car park that served the whole precinct. In total there was space for over 500 vehicles to be parked on the site utilising existing parking spaces, hardstand areas around buildings and disturbed bushland areas. The TMP identifies the future parking needs of the site, for everyday use as approximately 205 spaces, with additional areas being identified to accommodate extra cars and/or buses for special event purposes. This figure is based on a relatively high percentage of public transport, walking and cycling modal split targets for the education and tourism related uses and more modest targets for these modes for employees generating uses. This figure takes into account the possibility of sharing spaces between different uses as the periods of peak demand of proposed uses would not generally coincide (ie. use of buildings for functions and restaurants at a different time to peak usage of ‘Sanctuary’ related facilities). This figure also assumes that there is a possibility of working with neighbouring organisations to reduce private car travel to the site such as coordinated shuttle bus arrangements and improved walking and cycling facilities. As stated previously, the environmental capacity of Darley Road is close to reaching its capacity of close to 500 vehicles per hour in the AM peak. The TMP considers the likely future traffic generation numbers of all new uses proposed on the headland, and estimates what proportion of this additional traffic could be potentially generated by the use of the former School of Artillery, and how much of this will be added to Darley Road to further threaten environmental capacity of the road. The TMP estimates that with regard to traffic generation to and from the former School of Artillery site, the proposed uses would be expected to generate 105 car vehicle trips to the site on an average weekday. It is anticipated that given the nature of proposed use on the site that a relatively low 20-30% of visitation would occur within the peak period. The anticipated impact of this traffic is relatively lower, compared
to historic levels of the School of Artillery. To ensure that the impact
on environmental capacity remains low, the following measures are recommended
and require a coordinated approach between all land managers at North
Head and Council:
National Heritage Values
The EPBC Act provides that a place has National Heritage values if it is found to have ‘outstanding’ heritage value to the nation in respect of one of the criteria prescribed in the Regulations. In May 2006 the Minister for the Environment and Heritage listed the entire area of North Head on the National Heritage List. For full listing, see http://www.deh.gov.au/heritage/national/sites/north-head.html. The gazetted list of National Heritage values relate mainly to the historical use of part of North Head as a place of quarantine, and as such, are closely related to the physical remains of the Quarantine Station itself. This list does not include Aboriginal values, natural values and makes limited reference to Defence history. There are only two physical sites within the former School of Artillery site that relate to the Quarantine Station; the 3rd Quarantine Cemetery and the 1930s sandstone wall built to separate the Quarantine Station from public open space. Based on the presence of these two items on the site, the following statement of National Heritage Values is derived from the values gazetted for North Head in its entirety. The statement demonstrates the contribution that the former School of Artillery site makes to the listed National Heritage values of North Head. The primary sources for the significance of the place are: Criterion a:
Criterion b:
Criterion c:
Criterion d:
Criterion e:
Commonwealth Heritage Values
The EPBC Act provides that a place has Commonwealth Heritage value if it meets one of the criteria prescribed in the Regulations. The following statement of Commonwealth Heritage Values is derived from the Draft 2005 Conservation Management Plan prepared by Peter Freeman Pty Ltd. The statement demonstrates that the site meets several of the criteria specified in the EPBC Regulations, 2000. The primary sources of significance for the place are: Criterion a:
Criterion b:
Criterion c:
|
).
All of the land is included within Portion 2764 in Crown Plan Catalogued
C10630-2030 and is classified as ‘Harbour Land’ under the
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001. 
