By ANNA USHER

Plans to construct new buildings at Middle Head have sparked a furious backlash from locals, with many converging on Mosman Council chambers to voice their concerns.

Residents and community groups have joined forces to oppose a proposal by School Infrastructure NSW to use the former Soldiers’ Institute building and adjacent grounds for an Environment Education Centre.

The plan, currently in early stages, means a large Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) including staff facilities, student amenities, and storage could be erected on the site of the historic fort.

It would cater for up to 120 school students who could visit the site for environmental education programs.

The proposal has support from Mosman Council, who say it is “appropriate public use of the land” that would allow children to appreciate the heritage and environmental values of Middle Head.

An estimated 50 people packed the public gallery at last week’s monthly Council meeting, with six speaking on the record to voice their objections.

Resident Richard Orr told the room he was he was disappointed in Council’s support of the plan to “effectively redevelop what is a significant Military site.”

“Let me say that the proposal to change the use of the site, I find, flies in the face of the entire gamut of what the Heritage Council of NSW was established to preserve,” he said.

“This has the stamp of populist cancel culture coming through to change and wipe out our colonial history.

“It’s a military site, it’s not meant to be a classroom. The site should be established as a museum”.

Alan Toner, president of the Mosman RSL sub branch, said the development could risk the heritage values of the existing building which dates back to between 1885-1900.

“It changes the whole idea of the Soldiers Institute – and the impact on the area will be significant” he said.

Speaking with Mosman Collective, Jill L’Estrange, President of the Headland Preservation Group said a new COLA would be “totally inappropriate” for the site.

“It will be built in the Sydney Harbour National Park – which currently prohibits new buildings in this precinct,” Ms L’Estrange said.

“And while the community supports an Environment Education Centre it does not support it at this location. Middle Head is a place of exceptional Aboriginal and military heritage and important natural environmental values.

“These values will be diminished by this development.”

Julie Goodsir, vice president of the Headland Preservation Group, also raised security concerns, citing potential vandalism at Middle Head.

“The proposed location is isolated (and could become) a wonderful place for unsupervised teenagers to do wheelies on their bikes, play loud music, vape and who knows what else,” she told the Council meeting.

This matter is currently open for public consultation until 15 March. Please have your say – go to hpg.org.au and click on the submission link.