Community opposition to a controversial development at North Head has prompted Manly MP Mike Baird to call for a World Heritage listing to protect North Head and potentially Sydney Harbour.

Mr Baird proposed the listing at a ‘Penguins Not Police’ community forum held last night at Manly Life Saving Club.

“North Head is one of the most precious environments in the country and yet the Federal Government is planning a $21 million redevelopment of its police college at Spring Cove, which will cause irretrievable environmental and historical damage.

“North Head has outstanding natural significance and deserves more protection. It is home to the endangered colony of Little Penguins, long-nosed bandicoots and Spring Cove is Sydney Harbour’s only aquatic reserve. Whilst we have a national listing, we believe this should be further strengthened.

“A World Heritage listing for North Head could logically be extended to Sydney Harbour to ensure it is recognised as a vital area that must be cherished. It would also allow the area to be protected as a whole rather than fighting many battles on many fronts.”

Mr Baird said Sydney Harbour also fulfils several of the selection criteria for World Heritage listing including its natural beauty, testimony to Aboriginal cultural traditions, important natural habitat for conservation and exceptional buildings in a unique cultural landscape.

“The Sydney Opera House was successfully nominated for World Heritage listing in 2007, however listing iconic buildings without surrounding public land is selling Sydney short.”

Mr Baird said the listing could extend from North and South Head to the Harbour Bridge, encompassing all public foreshore land.

“The proposed redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Police Management College at North Head is a frightening example of how the environment can be taken for granted. The community is completely opposed to turning North Head into a Las Vegas-style complex and yet that is what is on the cards.

“There is no need for this development. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are currently operating from the former School of Artillery site and that is where they should stay.”

Mr Baird said all 100 attendees at last night’s meeting passed a unanimous motion opposing the North Head development plans, which are currently waiting approval by the NSW Department of Planning subject to the submission of a Preferred Project Report by the AFP.

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