Barangaroo Central - Don't Block the Rocks

February 2025

CENTRAL BARANGAROO SAVED

FoSH has worked closely with local community advocates for the last almost 4 years to save an iconic part of our national heritage during this extensive planning process.

In the words of Alex Greenwich MP -

"Thanks to the strong advocacy of the Millers Point community, approved building envelopes for Central Barangaroo will protect the important heritage sight lines between Observatory Hill and the water."

"Since 2022, there have been repeated attempts to overdevelop Central Barangaroo including with a 20-storey tower adjacent to Nawi Cove, the Headland Park and the harbour promenade."

"In 2023 the tower height was revised down to eight storeys but the final approval will only permit five storeys in recognition of the sensitive heritage and harbour location."

...."Central Barangaroo is public waterfront land that belongs to the whole community; (we) welcome the Minister's recognition of preserving its connection to Observatory Hill and Millers Point."

"A big congratulations to the Millers Point Community Residents Action Group which managed a sensational community campaign that engaged experts in heritage, planning and astronomy and lovers of Sydney."

Millers Point Action Group President - "Please thank FoSH for their fantastic support!"

July 2024

The Department of Planning have released the developer Aqualand’s response to the submissions on 5th July 2024. . Here is the link to the ‘response to submissions.

https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/daex/under-consideration/barangaroo-concept-plan-mod-9

Strong arguments by key stakeholders including Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney, Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor, City of Sydney, the Heritage Council, the National Trust, local community and FOSH have been rejected. Vistas and public access are still obscured two and from the Harbour and key public interest concerns outlined in February have been ignored.

​​​​FOSH will be making further representation on this significant development on Sydney foreshore in conjunction with other key stakeholders.

February 2024

​The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure have released another modification for Central Barangaroo (Mod 9) for exhibition. Submissions close 5 pm 21st February 2024.

Barangaroo Concept Plan (Mod 9) | Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (nsw.gov.au)

​​​​FOSH has lodged a submission - based on our principles of protecting and maintaining the harbour for all. Some key elements.

• Barangaroo is an iconic harbour site planned as civic and cultural hub which should be reflective of the heritage of the site’s history- first people and working harbour.

• Reduction of public open space

• Two-way vistas to and from the harbour are still blocked

• There is No community benefit- including foreshore access

• Preservation of the harbour for all rather than a land grab by individuals

July 2023

​FOSH congratulates the Millers Point Action Group on the recommendations of NSW Legislative Council Select Committee on Barangaroo Sight Lines. It is empowering to see what can be achieved by our community in the preservation of the harbour in conjunction with partners such as the Heritage Council and FOSH amongst many others.

​“A revised proposal to build a 21 high residential block and associated commercial buildings at Central has been deemed as a site of State Significance without community consultation, the final decision is with the Premier . These towers are far bigger than the approved concept plan.

• ​ Will Block public views of the harbour from Observatory Hill west of the site, Barangaroo Reserve, The Rocks, Millers Point and The Harbour Bridge and heritage buildings being hidden from sight from surrounding areas on and around the harbour

• Will be visible from all aspects of the harbour it is not a scaled development

• Prohibits foreshore access.

It impacts Sydney’s and Australia’s iconic and culturally significant landmarks, public and water access for the people of Australia and tourism”.

​TO FIND OUT MORE

​A subcommittee of the Millers point residents’ group has been formed and are using a Facebook group for communication under the banner of Don’t Block the Rocks. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dontblocktherocks/permalink/3162923993939796

Seeking supporters and have established a change.org petition https://www.change.org/dontblocktherocks