Written by
06/11/2023
Cockatoo Island master plan presents a new vision for reactivation and transformation – for the island to become the vibrant and connected heart of the Western Sydney Harbour.
The draft plan sees enhanced engagement with the community, state and local government stakeholders, including First Nations community members and knowledge holders, building on a consultation process that began in 2019 with the Cockatoo Island dialogue.
The drawcard of the master plan includes a wide range of experiences and attractions to encourage more visitors to come to the island. Experiences being considered include new enhanced orientation spaces, additional boat trips around the island and to neighbouring attractions, an immersive evening program using light, sound and technology, enhanced event spaces, a dedicated education space for students and schools, a new parkland, public domain and access to the water for harbour swimming.
As visitation increases, the proposal is to introduce a second new ferry wharf positioned with direct access to key high value heritage structures such as the Convict Workshop and Fitzroy Dock. To support the new and upgraded experiences, it is proposed to increase and improve the places where you can eat and drink. Catering for day, evening and overnight visitors is proposed.
the Harbour Trust’s plans recognise the island’s historic significance
The revitalised island will also provide a range of accommodation options that service different budgets and price points including an expanded offering for a broader budget range, developed in stages over a long term (10 years +) as visitation to the island grows.
Hotel accommodation will be considered only when increased visitation leads to demand for accommodation beyond the campground and heritage cottage capacity. This long-term intent aligns with international precedent and would provide visitor accommodation in a World Heritage place in the heart of Sydney Harbour.
Marine ecology reefs will be created on two sides of the land to support the rehabilitation of the waters around the island as well as helping to improve Sydney Harbour’s biodiversity. The creation of a Harbour Park, starting from the last piece of endemic bush on the island will be a new public parkland. This park will help regenerate plant and animal communities, including the Sydney red gum canopy, which is a known cockatoo habitat.
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