SUPPLEMENTARY HERITAGE VALUES REPORT

Transcription

1 BOTANY BAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY SUPPLEMENTARY HERITAGE VALUES REPORT Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Prepared by March 2008

2 CONTROLLED DOCUMENT DRAFT ISSUE ISSUED MARCH 2008 Issued by: Alan Ginns Reviewed by: Andrew Ginns This Botany Bay Trail Feasibility Study, Supplementary Report was prepared by 23 Sydney Road Warriewood Beach, NSW 2102 Tel: or i

3 Table of Contents Page 1. PROJECT OVERVIEW Introduction and Report Background Investigations and Report Preparation Structure of this Supplementary Report 3 2. OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED ROUTE 4 3. SECTOR 1 KURNELL Overview of Recommended Route Natural Heritage Sites and Values Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Historic Heritage Sites and Values SECTOR 2 WOOLOOWARE Overview of Recommended Route Natural Heritage Sites and Values Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Historic Heritage Sites and Values SECTOR 3 COOK PARK Overview of Recommended Route Natural Heritage Sites and Values Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Historic Heritage Sites and Values SECTOR 4 COOKS RIVER Overview of Recommended Route Natural Heritage Sites and Values Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Historic Heritage Sites and Values SECTOR 5 SYDNEY AIRPORT Overview of Recommended Route Natural Heritage Sites and Values Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Historic Heritage Sites and Values SECTOR 6 BOTANY Overview of Recommended Route Natural Heritage Sites and Values 56 ii

4 8.3 Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Historic Heritage Sites and Values SECTOR 7 LA PEROUSE Overview of Recommended Route Natural Heritage Sites and Values Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Historic Heritage Sites and Values APPROXIMATE ORDER OF COSTS Approximate Order of Costs Benefits of the Botany Bay Trail ADDITIONAL STUDIES 86 References 87 List of Figures Page 1. Overview of the Recommended Route 5 2. Recommended Route, Sector 1 Kurnell 8 3. Natural Heritage Values, Sector 1 Kurnell Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 1 Kurnell Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 1 Kurnell Recommended Route, Sector 2 Woolooware Natural Heritage Values, Sector 2 Woolooware Historic Heritage Sites and Values, 2 Woolooware Recommended Route, Sector 3 Cook Park Natural Heritage Values, Sector 3 Cook Park Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 3 Cook Park Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 3 Cook Park Recommended Route, Sector 4 Cooks River Natural Heritage Values, Sector 4 Cooks River Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 4 Cooks River Recommended Route, Sector 5 Sydney Airport Natural Heritage Values, Sector 5 Sydney Airport Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 5 Sydney Airport Recommended Route, Sector 6 Botany Natural Heritage Values, Sector 6 Botany Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 6 Botany 61 iii

5 22. Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 6 Botany Recommended Route, Sector 7 La Perouse Natural Heritage Values, Sector 7 La Perouse Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 7 La Perouse Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 7 La Perouse 74 iv

6 1. Project Overview 1.1 Introduction and Report Background The Sydney Metropolitan Regional Recreation Trails Framework identifies the Botany Bay Trail as a priority 1 route (to be actioned within 5 years) for regional trail development in southern Sydney. The Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) subsequently secured funding under the New South Wales Government s Metropolitan Greenspace Programme to undertake a feasibility study for the Botany Bay Trail. This initial Botany Bay Trail Feasibility Study was completed by Gondwana Consulting in August SSROC used this initial feasibility study as the basis for a subsequent application under the Metropolitan Greenspace Programme for funding to prepare an Interpretation Masterplan for the proposed route. In considering the ROC's application the Metropolitan Greenspace Programme assessment panel requested additional information in relation to the natural and cultural heritage values located along the proposed route as well a cost estimates for the Trail s construction (where new Trail sections are required). SSROC subsequently contracted Gondwana Consulting to review and expand the original feasibility study to provide a Supplementary Report into the Trail s Heritage Values that satisfies the panel s request. The specific area s to be addressed by this Supplementary Report are: areas of natural heritage and natural heritage values along the proposed route; cultural heritage values and any related issues along the proposed route; any further studies recommended for completion of the project; and cost estimates to confirm the Trail s feasibility. 1.2 Investigations and Report Preparation The additional natural and cultural heritage values documentation was essentially a desktop exercise using existing available information. The project s limited budget did not allow for on-site investigations or verification of the database records used (although two site visits were undertaken to clarify ambiguus records and location information). Significance assessments were taken from the database and reports used, where these were included in these sources. Natural and cultural heritage values have been further investigated, described and documented for a corridor based on the Trail s proposed route, essentially a band approximately 100 metres wide based on the route(s) identified in the initial Botany Bay Trail Feasibility Study. This corridor is the area within which natural and cultural heritage values may be impacted by the Trail s development and use although the vast majority of any impacts would be on or immediately adjacent to the Trail. This corridor is also the zone within which values and attractions could be readily accessed by or interpreted for Trail users. 1

7 The research and investigations undertaken to source the information necessary for the preparation of this Supplementary Report included the following: accessing (electronically and via libraries) and review of Council State of the Environment Reports, Plans of Management for reserves and other open space areas en-route, and other publicly available documents that may describe known natural or cultural heritage values; accessing (electronically and via libraries) and review of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service s Plans of Management for Botany Bay National Park and Towra Point Nature Reserve; searching the Department of Environment and Climate Change s (DECC) Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) which records the type and location and other details of known/recorded Aboriginal heritage sites or values; searching the State Heritage Register, National Trust of Australia (NSW) classifications and Register of the National Estate for listed heritage features; reviewing the Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) for Councils along the route to identify items of heritage significance as listed by the LEPs and associated schedules; interrogating the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service s Wildlife Atlas (records since 1980 only, both flora and faunae listings), with a particular emphasis on threatened species records; and selected Aboriginal heritage studies, local histories, pictorial histories and heritage studies and other published/publicly available sources (such as Sydney s Aboriginal Past, Attenbrow, 2002). Flora and fauna records from the NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service s Wildlife Atlas are, by their nature, clustered around those places where NPWS staff and other people contributing to the Atlas make their observations. However they provide a reasonable indication of these species that have been recorded from an area, especially species of significance. When working with records from the DECC Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) regarding Aboriginal cultural heritage sites it must be remembered that the absence of records within AHIMS data does not necessarily mean that an area contains no such sites. These areas may contain sites and values not yet identified or recorded in the AHIMS. The Aboriginal heritage sites information presented in this supplementary report is, deliberately, imprecise in regard to site location to prevent possible damage to these places. The limited project budget did not allow for liaison with DECC, NSW Heritage Office specialists, Council staff, the La Perouse and Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (the proposed route falls within both LALC areas), other Aboriginal organisations, or local history groups. This supplementary resources report should not be considered a review of environmental factors or any form of similar environmental assessment. The Trail s construction will still need to be subject to the required impact assessment and approval processes. 2

8 1.3 Structure of this Supplementary Report This Supplementary Report has been structured to mirror the layout of the initial the Botany Bay Trail Feasibility Study. It addresses each of the proposed Trail s 7 sections in a separate chapter, as did the original report. This is to allow easy crossreferencing between the two reports and to enable both to be examined in parallel, be Trail section, if required. The planning considerations and route selection factors around each of the 7 sections are not repeated in this report, with only an overview of the proposed route given for each section to serve as the alignment or structure on which to relate the natural and cultural heritage information presented. For each of the 7 sections, this report: briefly describes the location and nature of known natural heritage values; briefly describes the location and nature of known cultural heritage values; plots these heritage values on the section route maps (as developed for the original report); and provides an indicative order of cost estimate for the construction of the Trail in that segment (in a separate chapter). Possible realignments of the originally proposed route, that may be a warranted in response to these more detailed heritage investigations, have been considered for each section and noted where applicable. Some comments on likely further studies that may be warranted, prior to proceeding with a Landscape/Development Masterplan and/or detailed Interpretation Plan for the proposed route, are offered for the Trail as a whole. 3

9 2. Overview of the Proposed Route SSROC envisages the Botany Bay Trail as a continuous high-quality, mostly foreshore, pathway around Botany Bay - from Phillip Bay/La Perouse in the north to Kurnell in the south. The Trail is intended to be enjoyed by families, people with mobility challenges, and the wider community. In addition to accessing and linking the area s many recreational and scenic assets, the Trail will also provide opportunities to present and interpret the Botany Bay area s many natural and cultural heritage and social values. Figure 1 shows the Trail s proposed route, as recommended by the original Botany Bay Trail Feasibility Study. The route extends from Kurnell in the south to La Perouse in the north, with potential extensions into adjoining areas of Botany Bay National Park at both its south-east and north-east ends. This recommended route forms the basis for this further study, it provides the centre line of the corridor for which the natural and cultural heritage values have been further investigated and described. The recommended route uses existing pathways and trails where they satisfy the Botany Bay Trail route alignment principles and includes the need for the construction of new segments of pathway in some other areas. In recognition of a number of obstacles to the immediate establishment of the recommended route, the original study identified short-term routing options that will enable a continuous Trail to be established in the more immediate future. The recommended route includes major deviations to provide short-term options around Sydney Airport, as well as smaller short-term options at Phillip Bay/Chifley, Banksmeadow and Taren Point. The recommended route passes through the following local government areas Randwick, Botany Bay, Marrickville, Rockdale and Sutherland. As described in detail in the original report, the features of the recommended route include: an approximate total length of 42 km; approximately 28 km of trail adjacent to Botany Bay foreshore or adjoining waterways; approximately 38 km of trail located within 500 metres of Botany Bay; an alignment that (with the exception of a 200 metre section) is suited to the provision of a sealed, multi-use trail suitable for use by pedestrians and cyclists; and the sampling of a variety of natural and built environments as well as vantage points and other recreational facilities. In selecting this recommended route the original study was guided by a number of design or alignment principles. Specifically that the route selected for the Trail should: 1. be continuous around the length of the Bay; 2. provide for a variety of users; 3. be of a standard that provides for shared use; 4. be close to the shoreline of Botany Bay; 4

10 Figure 1 Overview of the Recommended Route 5

11 5. minimise impacts on, and conflicts with, sensitive environments; 6. recognise the varied landscapes around the Bay; 7. incorporate existing approved and established alignments; 8. take advantage of available public transport options, including rail and bus services; and 9. connects to other local and regional trail and bikeway systems. In summary, as shown on Figure 1, the Trail s 7 sections are as follows. These provide the basis for the following chapters of this Supplementary Report. Sector 1: Kurnell - from the Discovery Centre at Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell to the intersection of Captain Cook Drive and Eloura Road, Woolooware. Sector 2: Woolooware Bay - from Eloura Road, Woolooware to Captain Cook Bridge at Taren Point. Sector 3: Cook Park - from Captain Cook Bridge to Endeavour Bridge, taking in most of the western shoreline of Botany Bay. Sector 4: Cooks River - from Endeavour Bridge to Airport Drive in the vicinity of the QANTAS Industrial Area, Sector 5: Sydney Airport - from Airport Drive in the vicinity of the QANTAS Industrial Area to Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany and a short-term route north to incorporate Coward Street, Botany. Sector 6: Botany - from the western end of Sir Joseph Banks Park to Military Road, Matraville to the south-east. Sector 7: La Perouse - from Military Rd, Matraville to La Perouse and Botany Bay National Park. 6

12 3. Sector 1 - Kurnell 3.1 Overview of Recommended Route This sector extends from the Discovery Centre at Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell to the intersection of Captain Cook Drive and Eloura Road, Woolooware. An existing cycleway has been established, marked and signposted on both sides of the verge of Captain Cook Drive from Polo Street in Kurnell to Eloura Road at Woolooware. The existing cycleway from Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell to Eloura Road, Woolooware provides the basis of a ready made trail in this sector. The recommended route in this sector is shown on Figure 2. The preferred route commences at the Discovery Centre in Botany Bay National Park, extends along Prince Charles Parade, then west along Silver Beach Rd to Captain Cook Drive. From here the route follows the existing bicycle route along Captain Cook Drive to Eloura Rd at Woolooware. A small section of Trail, approximately 100 metres either side of Solander Street, currently has no path marked. Long Term Option In the long-term, it is desirable to relocate the Trail within the road reserve of Captain cook Drive, or within 20 metres of the road reserve boundary, so it is physically separated from the traffic lanes of this busy road which carries considerable truck traffic. This would both greatly improve user safety and provide a more pleasant experience resulting from reduced exposure to traffic noise and fumes. The Regional Environmental Plan (REP 17 Kurnell Peninsula) allows for the construction of a bicycle path within 20 metres of the Captain Cook Drive Road Reserve in all but one (Zone 5a) of the land use zones on the southern side of the road reserve providing the opportunity, for much of the route between Kurnell and Woolooware, to locate the Trail away from the traffic lanes along Captain Cook Drive. 3.2 Natural Heritage Sites and Values The natural values of the Botany Bay Foreshore in this sector are primarily associated with internationally significant wetlands, migratory and wading bird populations, fringing mangroves and saltmarshes of the southern shoreline of the Bay. Many of these values lie within the Towra Point Nature Reserve, which is skirted by the Trail s proposed route. 7

13 Figure 2 Recommended Route, Sector 1 - Kurnell 8

14 From the Trail s south-eastern starting point at the Discovery Centre in Botany Bay National Park, the proposed route uses the existing park access road to pass between three vegetation communities of state-level conservation significance as shown on Figure 3. Sutherland Shire Littoral Rainforest is an endangered ecological community listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act A remnant of Sutherland Shire Littoral Rainforest is located around Cooks Stream, mainly north of the park access road which the Trail follows in this area. Littoral rainforest is a closed canopy forest characterised by mesophyll trees, shrubs and vines - with typical species including Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Acmena smithii, Ficus rubiginosa, Pittosporum undulatum, Syzygium oleosum, Syzygium paniculatum and Cissus antartica vines. To the south in upper catchment of Cooks Stream, off the Trail s proposed route, are two intermeshed endangered ecological communities. The Kurnell Dune Community is a low open sclerophyll forest community with a distinct mesophyll element. It is found on windblown sands overlying sandstone, often in association with areas of sclerophyll heath and scrub. Dominant species include Angophora costata, Banksia serrata and Banksia ericifolia. This community bears strong similarities to the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub found in the park s La Perouse section (Sector 7 of the Trail), however it appears to be restricted to soil types occurring on the Kurnell headland of Botany Bay. Hanging wetlands and ponds of the Sydney Freshwater Wetlands endangered ecological community are located in the swales and depressions of the sand dunes within the Kurnell Dune Community. This community is restricted to freshwater swamps with characteristic species being sedges and aquatics - particularly Eleocharis sphacelata, Baumea juncea, Baumea rubiginosa, Baumea articulata, Gahnia sieberiana, Ludwigia peploides and Persicaria species - with patches of emergent trees, such as Melaleuca quinquenervia, and shrubs. The Broad-leaved Paperbark, Melaleuca quinquenervia, reaches the southern limit of its range in the Kurnell area. The vulnerable Wallum Froglet and the endangered Green and Gold Bell Frog are usually associated with these hanging swamps both have been documented in this area according to NPWS records. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas also records the threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox and the threatened Sunshine Wattle within the area of these communities south of the Trail s route. A cluster of records of wading, migratory and seabird species - typical of those significant species found along the southern margins of Botany Bay - occur just off the Trail s route at Kurnell just outside the national park as shown on Figure 3. The threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox has also been recorded at this location. The Green and Gold Bell Frog and Grey-headed Flying-fox have both been recorded from seven locations along, or in proximity to, the Trail s proposed route along Captain Cook Drive through much of this sector of the Trail as shown on Figure 3. Other threatened species which have been recorded along or close to this road, and the Trail s route, include the Blue-billed Duck, Australasian Bittern, Wandering Albatross and New Zealand Fur-seal. 9

15 Figure 3 Natural Heritage Values, Sector 1 - Kurnell 10

16 The Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) has been recorded close to the Trail proposed route along Captain Cook Drive near Warsop Street (off the eastern side of Woolooware Bay). Another cluster of records of significant bird species is found at the western end of this sector, near the intersection of Captain Cook Drive and Elouera Road in the vicinity of Cronulla High School. Species which have been recorded here include Pied Oystercatchers, Sooty Oystercatchers, Australasian Bitterns and the Swift Parrot as shown on Figure 3. The Green and Gold Bell Frog and Grey-headed Flying-fox have also been recorded from this site (as noted above), as well as the New Zealand Fur-seal. At the eastern end of this sector, off Botany Bay National Park, and beyond the Trail s south-eastern end, the intertidal zone from Cooks Monument to Inscription Point is a gazetted Intertidal Protected Area. Several significant species have been recorded in, or above, the waters of Botany Bay off Kurnell or seaward. These include the Wandering Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, White Tern, Little Tern, Southern Giant Petrel, Kermadec Petrel, Humpback Whale, Southern Right Whale and Dugong. More distant from the Trail s proposed route, numerous fauna species of conservation significance have been recorded elsewhere in Botany Bay National Park and across the extensive sand dunes between Captain Cook Drive and Wanda Beach. Significant plant species have been less comprehensively documented. The native vegetation in the Kurnell area has historical importance, as the location where botanists Banks and Solander made their first observations and collections of the east coast s flora during (then) Lieutenant Cook s expedition of To the north of Captain Cook Drive, and off the Trail s proposed route, the extensive wetlands of Towra Point Nature Reserve and the tidal flats, seagrass beds and mangroves of the Towra Point Aquatic Reserve are internationally and nationally significant conservation areas. Towra Point is representative of an ecosystem now rare within the Sydney region. Many of the animal and plant communities and habitats here are poorly represented in the region, and a significant number of the area s species are threatened (listed as either vulnerable or endangered in NSW under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995). This includes species such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog, Magenta Lilly Pilly, Little Tern, Pied Oystercatcher, Great Knot, Greater Sandplover, Lesser Sand-plover, Sooty Oystercatcher, Terek Sandpiper, Masked Owl and Peregrine Falcon. Towra Point has been described as the productive heart of Botany Bay and is an important nursery, feeding and resting area for birds and fish that migrate intrastate, interstate and/or internationally. The area provides the last remaining habitat in the region for some non-migratory shorebirds. Five bird species, or subspecies, reach either their northern or southern range limits in the Towra Point-Kurnell area. The wetlands of Towra Point are the last of the large tidal and estuarine wetlands in the Sydney region and are unique on the central coast of NSW. They are of international significance, under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR), as they support more than 1% of the known Australian populations of several waders such as the Pacific Golden Plover, Double-banded 11

17 Plover, Eastern Curlew and Ruddy Turnstone. The Towra Point wetlands also support numerous migratory birds listed in the China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA) and the Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA). Approximately 34 of the 80 species of migratory birds, mostly wading birds or shorebirds, listed for protection under the CAMBA and JAMBA agreements have been recorded as using the Towra Point wetlands. Most migrate to Australia each year from countries as far afield as China, Japan and Russia. The Towra Point wetlands are recognised as one of the four most important sites for migratory wading birds in NSW. They include the second most important breeding site in NSW for the Little Tern, and the only breeding location for this species in the Sydney region. The Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, surrounding Towra Point on the southern side of Botany Bay, consists of several shallow bays up to 3 metres in depth. The area supports large stands of mangroves and extensive seagrass meadows. Mangroves at Towra Point total approximately 50% of those remaining in the Sydney region. Mangrove communities are protected under the NSW Fisheries Management Act. Saltmarshes are now rare in the Sydney Region, and those at Towra Point are the only substantial saltmarsh habitats remaining near Sydney. The area s more than 150 hectares of saltmarsh represents 90% of all such habitat in the Sydney region. These mangroves, saltmarsh, mudflats and seagrasses support a rich marine and avifauna. Tidal mudflats are the preferred feeding and roosting areas for wading birds, and are an important resource for waders and shorebirds including many significant and/or migratory species (as noted above). Vegetation communities across Towra Point represent vegetation types that were previously much more common in the Sydney region. These include small stands of Littoral Rainforest, and endangered ecological community listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and Bangalay (Eucalyptus botryoides) Forest which is now rare in the region. Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anarcardiodes), a key indicator species of Littoral Rainforest, approaches the southern limit of its distribution at Towra Point. The vulnerable Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) also survives in isolated stands within some Littoral Rainforest remnants at Towra Point. Freshwater wetlands, including small ephemeral ponds and reed swamps, although not widespread on Towra Point, provide important habitat for a number of species of high conservation significance such as the Green and Gold Bell Frog. The threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox is recorded from several sites across the Point. The Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, and Kurnell Peninsula/Towra Point area, are both listed separately on the Register of the National Estate (Place Number listed on 15 May 1990, and Place Number 3337 listed on 15 May 1990, respectively). Well south of the Trails proposed route the Kurnell Sand Dunes are also listed on the Register of the National Estate (as an indicative place natural, Pace Number 3337). Some remnant natural vegetation exists, but mostly in an impacted or modified condition, outside of Towra Point Nature Reserve - particularly along the northern side of Captain Cook Drive. 12

18 3.3 Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values The DECC AHIMS database records 13 indigenous heritage sites as known from the Trail s proposed corridor in this sector, 8 of these are along Captain Cook Drive and 6 in the Kurnell Headland area at the Trail s south-eastern end as shown in Figure 4. The following sites have been recorded along Captain Cook Drive, all are well offset from the road itself and hence the Trail s proposed longer-term off-road route in the sector. 5 shell middens (Site , Site , Site , Sites and Site ). 2 open sites (sparse scatter so artefact materials, usually stone flakes) (Site / and Site ). 1 open site and potential archaeological deposit (Site ). Another open site and potential archaeological deposit (Site ) is located at the eastern end of Silver Beach, just inside Botany Bay National Park and just off the Trail s proposed route. In the Kurnell Headland area, at the Trail s south-eastern end, are the following known sites. A rock engraving, located west of the Discovery Centre (Site ). A shell midden with other remains (Site ), near Captain Cooks Landing Place. The grave of Cundlemong (Site ), near Captain Cooks Landing Place. An open site and potential archaeological deposit (Site ), east of near Captain Cooks Landing Place. Many more Aboriginal cultural heritage sites have been recorded within Botany Bay National Park, across Towra Point, and especially within the sand dunes across the southern half of the Kurnell Peninsula. All are well away from the Trail s proposed route. Captain Cooks Landing Place is a very significant location in terms of post-contact Aboriginal history, as the site of the European invasion of the Aboriginal Nations. However this site is beyond the Trail s south-eastern and, although readily accessible from it and a major attraction for users Historic Heritage Sites and Values Four historic heritage sites are found within, or just beyond, the corridor for this sector of the Trail. These comprise one site of national significance, Captain Cooks Landing Place just beyond the Trail s end, as well as 3 sites of local to regional significance as shown on Figure 5. The Kurnell Point area is nationally significant in historic heritage terms as the site of Captain Cooks landing. The area was also the first site in the nation where British 13

19 Figure 4 Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 1 Kurnell 14

20 Figure 5 Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 1 Kurnell 15

21 scientists undertook a detailed study of Australia s flora and fauna. Most of the locations associated with Cook s landing are slightly beyond the Trail s proposed south-eastern end, and part of the protective management regime of Botany Bay National Park, so the Trail s promotion and use would not impact these places. Details of all 4 sites are given below. Nationally Significant Cultural Heritage Items CAPTAIN COOK S LANDING PLACE (and Monuments) Kurnell Register of the National Estate Place Number 3335, registered 21 March 1978 Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 17 Kurnell Peninsula Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2006, Schedule 6 Heritage Items Captain Cook's landing site is the place on the eastern edge of Kurnell Peninsula where, on the 29 April 1770, Captain Cook first stepped ashore in Australia. A commemorative obelisk stands opposite the rock where he is believed to have landed with his crew. The site has a series of monuments to Cook and his companions, dating back to 1822, which are of historical significance in themselves specifically a monument erected in 1822 at Inscription Point, an obelisk of 1870, monument to Forby Sutherland, the first British subject to die in Australia, monuments to Dr Solander and to Joseph Banks, and 200 memorial trees. The site also includes a water course Cooks Stream believed to be that from which Captain Cook obtained water. The area was also the location for some of the earliest European studies of Australia's flora and fauna. Locally/Regionally Significant Cultural Heritage Items Silver Beach and Roadway Kurnell Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 17 Kurnell Peninsula Beach along the south-eastern shore of Botany Bay, and groins, and Prince Charles Parade. Former Church (Captain Cook Drive) Kurnell Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 17 Kurnell Peninsula Former church at Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell. Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant Towra Point Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 17 Kurnell Peninsula The Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant is located on nearly 30 hectares of land on the eastern side of Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell. The treatment plant itself occupies approximately one third of that area, contained within a cyclone-wire fence, with the rest of the area covered by thick scrub. The plant was constructed from 1952 to The Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant has some historic and social values relating to its function, and contains a set of equipment and structures that are representative of their period and type. The Plant is significant as the public utility which services the Cronulla-Sutherland area of Sydney, and as one of the four major treatment plants 16

22 serving the greater metropolitan area. It contains a set of structures, equipment and facilities which are representative of their function and period - and which together make up a complete treatment process. The process is demonstrated by the equipment, and each element of the process is physically and logically displayed. The establishment and subsequent rapid amplification of the Cronulla Plant is evidence of the extent and rapid expansion of urban settlement in the district. The level of sewage treatment undertaken at the Plant is indicative of community expectations for sewage treatment at the time when it was designed, with subsequent alterations demonstrating rising expectations during its period of operation. 17

23 4. Sector 2 Woolooware Bay 4.1 Overview of the Recommended Route This sector extends from Eloura Road, Woolooware to Captain Cook Bridge at Taren Point. For much of its lengthy through this sector the Trail s recommended route traverses landfill areas or disturbed environments close to the shoreline. Much of this sector is along existing pathways firstly beside Captain Cook Drive then the new foreshore pathway along the south-west side of Woolooware Bay from the Solander Playing Fields north to Mangrove Lane as shown on Figure 6. From here land tenure constraints and Sutherland Shire Council s proposed land acquisitions in the Alexander Avenue and Bay Road area just south of Taren Point itself (as described in detail in the main report) have required the identification of short-term and long-term routing options for an 800 metre to 1,200 metre section north to Woodlands Road. From Woodlands Road the Trail follows the residential street to the existing pathways provided across Captain Cook Bridge. A split pathway system is provided across the bridge and is readily accessible. The recommended long-term route at Taren Point continues from Mangrove Lane north into Atkinson Road to the foreshore and then follows the shoreline to the existing small urban park in Woodlands Road. The path should be located at the western inland portion of this park to avoid disturbance to migratory birds which may utilise the shoreline of the Bay (as described below). This long-term option will be possible if/when the foreshore parcels are acquired by Sutherland Shire Council. It is understood that Sutherland Shire Council is at present preparing a landscape masterplan for part of this area. Until this open space corridor is established by Council s proposed land acquisitions, an alternative short-term route will need to be provided. This would be a marked onroad alignment using Atkinson Road, Bay Road, Alexander Avenue, Smith Street and Woodlands Road as shown in Figure Natural Heritage Sites and Values There are a number of significant natural areas within this sector, however they are mostly all marine based and should not be directly impacted by the Trail s recommended route. A number of Endangered Ecological Communities listed in the Threatened Species Act 1995 occur in Woolooware Bay itself - including saltmarshes and Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest. The community of most note for the Trail s proposed route is the 18

24 Figure 6 Recommended Route, Sector 2 - Woolooware 19

25 Taren Point Shorebird Community, a listed endangered ecological community under the Act as shown on Figure 7. This community of shorebirds occurs on a unique and distinct relict muddy sand shoal of the Georges River between Taren Point and Shell Point, on the south-west edge of Botany Bay at the mouth of Woolooware Bay. The community is dominated by shorebird species from the order Charadriiformes (a diverse order including waders, gulls, terns, snipes and oystercatchers). It is uniquely different from other shorebird communities around Botany Bay, inlcudiung those at the internationally significant Taren Point area (only 1 kilometre distant). The Shell Point wetlands support over 25 migratory bird species listed in the China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA) and the Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA), and as such is of international significance. The area is a rich feeding ground for at least 21 wading bird species, 17 of which are migratory. The mudflats at Shell Point are now one of the most important feeding and roosting areas for wading birds in the Sydney region. One of the area s bird species is listed as endangered and 4 are listed as vulnerable in NSW under the Threatened Species Conservation Act The NPWS Wildlife Atlas includes records for the Pied Oystercatcher and Terek Sandpiper from this site, with a record for the Australasian Bittern nearby in Woolooware Bay. The relatively undisturbed foreshore areas between Solander Playing Fields and Mangrove Lane, and between 13 Atkinson Street and Smith Street, are regarded as core greenweb habitat in Sutherland Shire Council s Greenweb Network. However a flora and fauna assessment in this area (Avifauna Research Services, 2002) found that, with the exception of the fringing mangroves and saltmarsh, the area does not support a high diversity of native flora and fauna. This southern margin of Woolooware Bay has extensive mangrove communities and areas of saltmarsh. Mangrove communities are protected under the NSW Fisheries Management Act. The threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox has been recorded from the vicinity of the Solander Playing Fields. There is one record of a threateneded Green Turtle previously sighted in the vicinty of the Captain Cook Bridge. No plant species of conservation significance, as listed in the NPWS Wildlfie Atlas, have been recorded along the Trail s proposed route in this sector. 4.3 Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values The DECC AHIMS database records no Aboriginal cultural heritage sites from within the Trail s corridor in this sector. 20

26 Figure 7 Natural Cultural Heritage Values, Sector 2 Woolooware 21

27 4.3.2 Historic Heritage Sites and Values Only 3 items of historic heritage significance occur along this sector - as shown on Figure 8. All are of local or regional significance. All are at Taren Point - one on the Trail s main route, one off the main route, and the other adjacent to the proposed long-term route. Locally/Regionally Significant Items of Cultural Heritage Captain Cook Bridge and Southern Approach Taren Point Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2006, Schedule 6 Heritage Items listings number A016 and L072-R Concrete arch bridge constructed in 1965 spanning the Georges River between Taren Point and Rocky Point, including the bridge s southern approach. Disused Punt Boat Ramp Taren Point Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2006, Schedule 6 Heritage Items listing number A015 Disused ramp for the earlier punt across Georges River, at the northern end of Old Taren Point Road, west of Captain Cook Bridge. Oyster Jetty Taren Point Bay Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 17 Kurnell Peninsula The Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 17 Kurnell Peninsula lists the oyster jetty at the end of Atkinson Road as an item of regional heritage significance. It is regarded as being representative of the few remaining structures in the area that demonstrate a link to past extensive oyster farming activities. It is currently in a state of disrepair and the seaward end has collapsed. 22

28 Figure 8 Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 2 Woolooware 23

29 5. Sector 3 Cook Park 5.1 Overview of Recommended Route This sector extends from Captain Cook Bridge to Endeavour Bridge and takes in most of the western shoreline of Botany Bay. Cook Park is an 8.5 kilometre long continuous open space area extending from Georges River to Cooks River. An existing multi-use pathway runs the length of Cook Park and is a ready-made route for the Botany Bay Trail in this sector as shown on Figure 9. At Dolls Point and Ramsgate a separate pedestrian and cycle path are provided. Existing car parking facilities (excluding kerbside parking) are located at numerous points along this western foreshore parkland. The Trail will enhance recreational linkages between the regionally significant Cook Park and other attractions located around Botany Bay. 5.2 Natural Heritage Sites and Values This sector is predominantly a highly urbanised and developed environment with very few remanent natural areas or features. Rockdale City Council s State of the Environment Report (Rockdale City Council, 2004) notes that much of the bushland and wetland areas remaining in the LGA are a result of circumstance rather than a systematic planning approach. Much of the original flora has been removed and only small areas of remnant vegetation exist, such as those at the southern bank of the mouth of Cooks River. Cook Park, within which almost all the Trail s proposed route is located, has a maintained urban parkland character and contains no, or very little, ground storey and shrub layer. As a result, fauna habitat is largely limited to that used by birds and arboreal species. Other natural heritage values of Cook Park centre on the mature plantings of distinctive trees such as Norfolk Island Pines which contribute to the park s character. The main areas of remnant or natural habitat in this part of the Rockdale City Council area are associated with the Rockdale Wetlands and Recreation Corridor which is a more or less continuous area of open space running from Kyeemagh to Sans Souci but well away from the Trail s proposed foreshore route. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas includes only 3 records of fauna species of conservation significance in this sector, all in the far south as shown on Figure 10. Little Terns have been recorded from the foreshore area near the north end of the Captain Cook Bridge and on the foreshore opposite Scott Park at Sandringham, and the threatened Grey headed Flying fox has been recorded from the adjoining Stan Moses Reserve. Rockdale City Council has constructed a wetland and saltmarsh 24

30 Figure 9 Recommended Route, Sector 3 Cooks Park 25

31 Figure 10 Natural Cultural Heritage Values, Sector 3 Cooks Park 26

32 area at Scott Park aimed at increasing the area of saltmarsh habitat in the Botany Bay catchment. The Trail s proposed route passes these areas along an existing pathway. There is one record of a threateneded Green Turtle previously sighted in the vicinty of the Captain Cook Bridge. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas also records an Australian Fur-seal from the forshore just south of Brighton-Le-Sands. Both are transient marine species. No plant species of conservation significance, as listed in the NPWS Wildlfie Atlas, have been recorded along the Trail s proposed route in this sector. A Magenta Lilly Pilly has been recorded from an open space area at Ramsgate, but well off the Trail s prosed route. 5.3 Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values The Rockdale Aboriginal Heritage Study concluded that it is likely the entire Rockdale area was used extensively by Aboriginal groups. Much of the City has been heavily modified since European settlement of the area, diminishing the likelihood that archaeological evidence of past Aboriginal occupation and land use activities still remain visible on the ground surface. The study noted that within the LGA only 4 sites were recorded on the (then) NSW National Parks and Wildlife Aboriginal Sites Register. A search of the DECC AHIMS database undertaken for this supplementary report returned the same 4 sites, all are located in the Sans Souci area. All are within the Trail s proposed corridor as shown on Figure 11. Three of these are along the proposed route, and the other nearby in an urban park. As the Trail would follow existing paths through this area it poses no construction threats, and very minimal usage threats, to these sites. Two sites a rock engraving (Site ) and a shell midden (Site ) occur at Rocky Point, just east of the Captain Cook Bridge ramp. A shell midden (Site ) is found further east on the foreshore, at the southern point of Sandringham Bay. Slightly inland, and off the Trail s route, another shell midden (Site ) is located in Stan Moses Reserve Historic Heritage Sites and Values The Rockdale Local Environmental Plan (LEP) lists 220 built items (and 36 natural/cultural items) as a result of an ongoing programme of review of the City's heritage. However only 5 of these items are located along the Trail s proposed corridor, all are of local significance only as shown on Figure 12. Two of these are slightly offset from the route on the opposite side of The Grand Parade or slightly set back in nearby streets. Additionally, 2 sites adjacent to the Trail s bayside route, both baths 27

33 Figure 11 Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 3 Cook Park 28

34 along the foreshore of Botany Bay (Ramsgate and Brighton Baths), have been recognised as indicative places on the Register of the National Estate as shown on Figure 12. Details of all 7 sites are given below. Nationally Significant Cultural Heritage Items RAMSGATE BATHS Ramsgate Beach Register of the National Estate Place Number , indicative place The Ramsgate Baths are significant as the last surviving timber pool enclosure occurring within the Botany Bay/Georges River area. Despite being redeveloped in 1973 the new pool contains an intact section of the earlier pool (original date unknown) with other parts being reused in the new structure (such as capwales and piles). The Baths construction technique, although a pile and framed enclosure, and its use of materials is unique within the Sydney region. The Baths also have social importance to local residents as a former gathering place and it has associations with the local swimming club and various swimming champions who were members. BRIGHTON BATHS Brighton-Le-Sands Register of the National Estate Place Number , indicative place Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items The original baths at this site opened in 1900, however the present structure (a floating enclosure from the early 1980s) bears little resemblance to the earlier pools (hence its indicative place status). Associated with the pool is an earlier horizontal building with a stucco finish, presumably a remnant of an earlier 1928 structure, which is of some heritage value. The baths are the home of the Brighton Baths Athletic Club, also known as the Brighton Polar Bears, which is allegedly one of the oldest male swimming clubs in Australia (established 1910). Locally Significant Items of Cultural Heritage Cooks Park Sans Souci, Sandringham, Dolls Point, Ramsgate, Monterey, Brighton-Le-Sands, Kyeemagh Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items Cooks Park is a 42 hectare park along the shoreline of Botany Bay from San Souci to Cook's River. It is a major open space on the edge of Botany Bay with distinctive Norfolk Island Pines with associations of early developers Saywell and Cook. The Trails proposed route runs the entire length of the park. Victorian-style Villa Fontainebleau - Sans Souci Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items This villa, originally known as "Fontainebleau", is a single storey brick and stucco Victorian house with a corrugated iron roof and cast iron balustrades, brackets and valences on the front verandah. It is historically significant as part of the development of the Botany Bay Pleasure ground in the 19 th Century and part of the 29

35 Figure 12 Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 3 Cook Park 30

36 subdivision of the Fontainebleau Estate. It is significant in its association with James C. Crawford, a Rockdale alderman who originally built the villa and as a rare example of a single storey Victorian Villa in this part of Rockdale, serving as a landmark sitting in its original garden setting of mature trees. Norfolk Island Pine Trees Riverside Drive, Sans Souci Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items Mature Norfolk Island Pine trees planted as a windbreak in the 1890s along the foreshore of Botany Bay. The trees are aesthetically significant in adding to the amenity of the Botany Bay foreshore. Row of Norfolk Island Pine Trees The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items A row of mature Auracarias, Norfolk Island Pines, along Grand Parade planted as a windbreak around The trees are aesthetically significant contributing to the amenity and character of the Botany Bay foreshore. Victorian Terraces The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items Two-storey terrace buildings containing five dwellings. Each dwelling has a verandah and balcony at first floor level. The roof alternates between gables and pitched roofs, to the Grand Parade elevation. The group of five houses are a prominent landmark, associated with the early development of Brighton, and a rare building type in Rockdale. 31

37 6. Sector 4 Cooks River 6.1 Overview of Recommended Route Sector 4 extends from Endeavour Bridge over the mouth of the Cooks River to Airport Drive at Mascot in the vicinity of the QANTAS Industrial Area. Land tenure constraints in this sector and the proposed Cooks Cove redevelopment (both as described in the main report), have required the identification of short-term and long-term routing options in this sector - as shown on Figure 13. The long-term option will be realised as part of the planned Cooks Cove redevelopment. Recommended Long-term Route The recommended long-term route utilises the existing pathway on the southern side of Cooks River from Endeavour Bridge to the mouth of Muddy Creek. A bridge over the mouth of Muddy Creek will be required to provide access to the planned multiuse path along the Cooks River foreshore to Marsh Street, as proposed in the Cooks Cove Masterplan. This recent Masterplan for Cooks Cove (Hassell, 2004) proposes a multi-use path along the south-western foreshore of the Cooks River between Muddy Creek and Marsh Street. This alignment will cause minimal disturbance to the Landing Lights Wetland and avoids all other wetland areas of Cooks Cove. From the Giovanni Brunetti Bridge off Marsh Street an existing path on the eastern bank of Alexandra Canal leads to Coward Street, Mascot. Short-term Option: Until the Cooks Cove redevelopment is completed, an alternative short-term route is required, using the existing network of paths between Muddy Creek and Marsh Street. A multi-use path leads from the underpass of Endeavour Bridge to the mouth of Muddy Creek before leading south to Bestic Street via Lance Stoddert Reserve. The path turns sharply at Bestic Street to return back along the west side of Muddy Creek through Riverine Park, past the St George Soccer Stadium and Barton Park, before passing through Banksia Field. Here it parallels Eve St and passes under the M5 East. The path continues west to Marsh Street where another underpass connects to the roadside footpath on the western side of Marsh Street. From here, although not of multi-use standard, the path connects to Giovanni Brunetti Bridge and west to the Cooks River Trail. A multi-use path adjacent to, and on the eastern bank of, the Alexandra Canal provides access to Mascot on the north-eastern side of Sydney Airport. 32

38 Figure 13 Recommended Route, Sector 4 Cooks River 33

39 6.2 Natural Heritage Sites and Values Rockdale City Council s State of the Environment Report (Rockdale City Council, 2004) notes that much of the bushland and wetland areas remaining in the LGA are a result of circumstance rather than a systematic planning approach. The Cooks River sector, in the upper/northern end of the Rockdale LGA, is largely an urbanised and industrialised area. However the Kyeemagh, Banksia, Wolli Creek and Tempe area through which this section of the Trail passes also contains three modified wetland areas. All are located near, or in one case on, the Trail s proposed short-term route as shown on Figure 14. The area known as Landing Lights Wetland extends from the mouth of Muddy Creek south-west to West Botany Street and is the largest wetland in the area. The Trail s proposed short-term route runs along both the eastern and western sides of the mouth of Muddy Creek (where it widens before entering the Cooks River) and crosses the creek via Bestic Street adjacent to the northern end of the Landing Lights Wetland as shown on Figure 14. This wetland area contains two endangered ecological communities Sydney Freshwater Wetlands and Sydney Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest Complex (Rockdale City Council, 2004) which are listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and so are of state conservation significance. The Trail s proposed route does not intrude into these communities. The Green and Gold Bell Frog, a listed threatened species under the Act, has been recorded from the north-eastern end of the Landing Lights Wetland. This wetland area, despite being considerably modified and disturbed, provides habitat for numerous migratory wading birds - many of which area protected under the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) and Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA). Migratory species of conservation significance which, according to Rockdale City Council, visit the Landing Lights Wetland include the Broad billed Sandpiper, Blacktailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Sharp tailed Sandpiper and the Terek Sandpiper (however none of these species are recorded from this site in the NPWS Wildlife Atlas). Landing Lights Wetland is part (at the northern end) of the Rockdale Wetlands and Recreation Corridor which is a more or less continuous area of open space running from Kyeemagh to Sans Souci. Further north-west the Trail s proposed short-term route uses existing paths to pass through and adjacent to the Eve Street Wetlands at Banksia as shown on Figure 15. This wetland area provides habitat for numerous migratory wading birds, many again figuring in the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) and Japan- Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA). Unlike the Landing Lights Wetland area, the NPWS Wildlife Atlas includes records for two wading birds of conservation significance at this site specifically the Terek Sandpiper and Sanderling. The Wildlife Atlas records the threatened Wallum Froglet as occurring here, and the threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox has also been recorded from this site. Further north-west again the Trail s proposed short-term route runs close to the Marsh Street Wetland at Wolli Creek as shown on Figure 14. This area has been significantly impacted by construction of the M5 with the Roads and Traffic Authority constructing two ponds alongside this road as compensatory habitat, especially for 34

40 Figure 14 Natural Heritage Values, Sector 4 Cooks River 35

41 the threatened Green and Golden Bell Frog. These ponds harbour the only permanent population of this species known within the entire St George area (Rockdale City Council website, 2008). Six species of waterbirds of conservation significance, including migratory species protected under the JAMBA and CAMBA agreements, have been recorded from this site the Terek Sandpiper, Australasian Bittern, Lesser Sand-plover, Pied Oystercatcher, Great Knot and Little Tern. The threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox has also been recorded from this site. A single sighting of the Grey-headed Flying-fox is recorded in the NPWS Wildlife Atlas from Airport Road, north of Sydney Airport beside the Alexandra Canal, on the Trial s proposed long-term route. This species has also been recorded from several other sites in the vicinity, away from the Trail s proposed route. Several species of wading birds have been recorded from Airport View beach, on the opposite side of Cooks River from the Trail s proposed long-term route. This area is adjacent to, but separated and difficult to access from, the Trail s conceptual longer term route option south of Sydney Airport. No plant species of conservation significance, as listed in the NPWS Wildlfie Atlas, have been recorded along the Trail s proposed route in this sector. 6.3 Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values The DECC AHIMS database records no Aboriginal cultural heritage sites from within the Trail s corridor in this sector Historic Heritage Sites and Values Only 4 historic heritage items occur along the Trail s proposed corridor in this sector, all are areas rather than specific point or site features as shown in Figure 15. The Arncliffe and Kyeemagh Market gardens are located adjacent to the Trail s proposed short-term route both are considered significant at the Sate level. The Trail s route passes along the northern margin of the Kyeemagh Urban Conservation Area. This zone of uniform housing age and style is listed on the Register of the National Estate and so is considered significant at the national level. Sydney Airport, also listed on Register of the National Estate, abuts much of the Trail s proposed route in the north-west of this sector. Details of the first 3 of these sites are given below. Sydney Airport s historic heritage values are described in detail in the following section. 36

42 Figure 15 Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 4 Cooks River 37

43 Nationally Significant Cultural Heritage Items KYEEMAGH URBAN CONSERVATION AREA - Kyeemagh Register of the National Estate Place Number , indicative place The Kyeemagh Urban Conservation Area consists of an area of single-storey 1930s bungalows. The area has a uniform appearance stemming from its development within a single period as well as the almost universal use of face brick. Housing in the area consists predominantly of 1930s bungalows on medium-sized lots. There are a few unsympathetic alterations or intrusions into the area. The Kyeemagh Precinct epitomises the area and era in both the excellent, intact nature of its houses, their gardens and street plantings. The area is significant because it possesses streetscape integrity due to the development during one period and the excellent state of preservation of the houses and gardens, it has a uniformity of housing style, the predominance of the 1930s bungalow type illustrates the important influence of British housing ideals and styles on Australia, it reflects the availability of finance enabling the middle class to borrow money and finance the purchase of a house, and embodies the importance of home ownership in Australia. SYDNEY (KINGSFORD SMITH) AIRPORT GROUP Mascot Register of the National Estate Place Number (interim list), listed 24 September 2002 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 181 Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport is a site that has been continuously developed as a government aerodrome since This site is more fully detailed in the following section, describing the historic heritage values of Sector 5 - Sydney Airport. Items of Cultural Heritage Significant at the State Level KYEEMAGH MARKETS GARDENS Arncliffe State Heritage Register gazetted 26 November 1998 Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items The Kyeemagh Market Gardens are the largest of the three Rockdale Market Gardens. They cover a substantial area, 8 hectares, and have an open character defined only by the residential area of Kyeemagh to the east and south, and the levee bank along Muddy Creek to the west. The gardens are visible from a number of public areas including Bestic Street, Occupation Road and the pedestrian cycleway along the Muddy Creek foreshore embankment (which is also the Trail s proposed short-term route). The site is divided into four 5 acre leasehold gardens, with garden beds are aligned roughly north-south creating a relatively even pattern across the whole garden. The site also contains several buildings, some of which were originally dwellings, but which are now used for living, storage and packing some of these have heritage significance. The Kyeemagh Market Gardens are of high significance for their association with the Chinese community and their demonstration of a continuing pattern of land use from the late 19 th Century to the present. Market gardens such as these were once typical in the Rockdale Municipality but have become increasingly rare. The Kyeemagh 38

44 Market Gardens are of State significance as one of only three surviving operational market gardens in the Sydney metropolitan region in largely their original form and still employing traditional cultivation practices. The site is of significance for its association with the Chinese, German, Irish and Cornish communities. The site is of further significance as containing 3 of 4 surviving 19 th Century market gardener's cottages in the Sydney metropolitan region, and the only such cottages still attached to operating market gardens. The site has some significance through its relationship with the adjoining wetlands ARNCLIFFE MARKETS GARDENS Arncliffe State Heritage Register Listing Number 1395, gazetted 2 April 1999 Rockdale Local Environmental Plan 2000, Schedule 1 Part 2 Heritage Items This market gardens are located off, west of, West Botany Street - a busy local road and are clearly visible from the road and the adjoining houses to the south and west, which are elevated above the garden. The site is subject to substantial flooding from the tributary of Muddy Creek. The gardens have a series of east west channels draining runoff to a north-south channel on the eastern boundary. They are divided into small strips, each of which has a different type of produce under cultivation. The site contains several structures clustered together at the northernmost corner of the site, whilst the southern portion of the site is devoted to garden beds. Structures consist of a c.1930s fibro bungalow (used as a residence), a 19 th Century timber packing shed, a pump house and an assortment of corrugated iron clad packing sheds and shipping containers (used as cultivation areas). The Arncliffe Chinese Market Gardens are of high significance for their association with the Chinese community and their demonstration of a continuous pattern of land usage since the late nineteenth century. They are one of only three such surviving market gardens in the Inner Sydney region and one of few similar surviving examples in the Sydney Metropolitan Region. The Arncliffe Market Gardens are of State significance as one of only three surviving operational market gardens in the Sydney metropolitan region in largely their original form and still employing traditional cultivation practices. The site is of significance for its association with the Chinese, German, Irish and Cornish communities and for its demonstration of a continuing pattern of land usage since the mid 19 th Century. The site is of further significance as containing the only surviving 19 th Century market gardener s packing shed in the Sydney metropolitan region. The area has some significance through its relationship with the adjoining wetlands. 39

45 7. Sector 5 Sydney Airport 7.1 Overview of Recommended Route This sector extends from Airport Drive in the vicinity of the QANTAS Industrial Area to Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany. It presents considerable challenges in the routing of a multi-use pathway, as detailed in the main report. As shown in Figure 16 alternative routes have been proposed in the Mill Pond - Southern Cross Drive - Botany area at the southern end of this sector. For the northern two-thirds of this sector it has also been necessary to identify a considerably longer short-term route, through a very urbanised setting, pending the Roads and Traffic Authority s (RTA) plans to provide a multi-use pathway along Qantas Drive/Joyce Drive around the northern margin of Sydney Airport which would be the Trail s preferred long-term route. Recommended Long-Term Route - Qantas Drive/Joyce Drive The RTA has prepared detailed designs for a multi-use path from Alexandra Canal along Qantas Drive/Joyce Drive to a point opposite Wentworth Avenue in Botany. These designs provide a sound route for the Trail. The RTA has reached an access agreement with Sydney Airports Corporation for this route. Short-term Route Pending the RTA multi-use pathway works along Qantas Drive/Joyce Drive, and access agreements with Sydney Airport Corporation (and Sydney Water regarding the Mill Pond area, as described below), an alternative short-term route will need to be provided as shown on Figure 16. This possible short-term route diverges from Qantas Drive to follow an existing multiuse path along the eastern bank of the Alexandra Canal to Coward Street. This option then uses the existing multi-use path and subsequent bicycle lane/pedestrian footpath on Coward St eastward until Sutherland Street. The route would then head south along Sutherland Street, as a proposed bicycle lane on the road pavement and pedestrian footpath, to Wentworth Avenue. Existing traffic lights allow a crossing of Wentworth Avenue and the route would then use the existing, but narrow, footpath on the southern side of Wentworth Avenue until McBurney Avenue. The route then requires a new bicycle lane on the road pavement and pedestrian footpath along McBurney Avenue before passing through a small urban park on Botany Road and linking with the more easterly route along Botany Road (as described below). This short-term route is more removed from Botany Bay and passes through residential and business areas of Mascot and Botany. 40

46 Figure 16 Recommended Route, Sector 5 Sydney Airport 41

47 Alternative Routes - Mill Pond/Southern Cross Drive/Botany From Wentworth Avenue the Trail s preferred route would extend to, and across, Mill Pond Road and underneath Southern Cross Drive to the western banks of Mill Pond itself. A small bridge would be required to cross the Mill Pond. The Pond s eastern foreshore provides an open space route to Sir Joseph Banks Park. A small section of the Trail in this area is aligned on top of the sewage infrastructure known as SWOOS (Southern and Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer No. 1). However this alignment would require the consent of the two affected landowners Sydney Airports Corporation and Sydney Water. If this is not possible an alternative route from Wentworth Avenue to Sir Joseph Banks Park will be required. From Wentworth Avenue this alternative, more eastern route, would cross to the eastern side of Botany Road and head south as a new off-road multi-use path along the eastern side of Botany Road. Botany Road is crossed at pedestrian traffic lights near Botany Primary School, and a new off-road path then linking south to Bay Street. An on-road bicycle lane and off-road pedestrian footpath would then link to Sir Joseph Banks Park via Underwood Avenue and Hale Street. 7.2 Natural Heritage Sites and Values This sector has a long history of medium density development for residential, transport, business and industrial purposes. The natural heritage values of the area are, not surprisingly, substantially diminished due to this long history of development. All significant natural heritage values in this sector are focused along the corridor of Mill Pond and Engine Pond, the lowest part of the Botany Swamps/Wetlands complex as shown in Figure 17. The Botany Swamps and Mill Stream (collectively known as the Botany Wetlands) were once part of an extensive area of freshwater wetland habitat. The wetlands still support the largest freshwater wetland system within the Sydney metropolitan region, covering an area of approximately 64 hectares and a catchment of over 20 square kilometres. Mill Pond and Engine Pond, in this sector, are the last 2 wetland-ponds in a chain of 11 interconnecting ponds that stretch from Centennial Park to Botany Bay. The environments of these ponds have been substantially altered and their condition is generally poor. The Engine Ponds and Mill Stream form the lower section of an urbanised catchment and so receive high levels of silt and other pollutants. Weed species are common in the both ponds. Works to encourage the environmental rehabilitation of the ponds have seen an improvement in the environmental state of the wetland system in this area. Despite their impacted nature, the ponds - and the wider Botany Swamps complex as a whole - provide habitat of high regional conservation significance due to their location within the heavily industrialised and urbanised areas of south-east Sydney. Although now dominated by sedge species, patches of remnant vegetation within the wetlands provide a valuable insight into what the environments of the Botany Bay area and City s eastern suburbs may have been like prior to European settlement. 42

48 Figure 17 Natural Heritage Values, Sector 5 Sydney Airport 43

49 Over 80 bird species are either permanent residents of these lower ponds or use this area as part of their migratory routes. This includes over 40 international migratory species many of which are protected under the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) and Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA). The NPWS Wildlife Atlas indicates that the Little Tern, Lesser Sand-plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Great Knot have been recorded in this area. The National Estate listing for the site notes the Curlew Sandpiper and the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper as known to inhabit the area. Birds Australia s records also cite the Crested Tern and Great Egret as threatened species recorded in the Mill Pond and Engine Pond area. Beyond these species of conservation significance, the ponds also provide roosting and feeding habitat for a number of other shorebird species. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas records the Green and Gold Bell Frog and Grey-headed Flying-fox as other threatened species known to occur in these ponds or visit this semi-natural area. The Botany Swamps/Wetlands are listed on the Register of the National Estate (as an indicative place, Place Number 17854), and are also listed under the National Wetlands Programme as significant wetlands. As such they are considered of national significance. No plant species of conservation significance, as listed in the NPWS Wildlfie Atlas, have been recorded along the Trail s proposed route in this sector. 7.3 Cultural Heritage Sites and Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values The DECC AHIMS database records no Aboriginal cultural heritage sites from within the Trail s corridor in this sector Historic Heritage Sites and Values This sector has the largest number, and greatest concentrations, of historic heritage items of any part of the Trail s proposed route. However they are almost all built elements located adjacent to, or offset from, the Trail s proposed route and would be very unlikely to be adversely impacted by the Trail s development or use. The City of Botany Bay LEP 1995 lists a large number of historic heritage items across the LGA, many of which are in close proximity to the Trail. In total, 49 individual historic heritage items are listed along the Trail s corridor in this sector ranging from Sydney Airport to street trees as shown on Figure 18. Of these, 28 occur along the proposed short-term route. The following items of national or state level heritage significance occur along the Trail s corridor: Botany Water Reserves/Botany Swamps on both possible preferred routes; Sydney Airport offset from, or adjacent to, much of the Trail s route through this sector; 44

50 Figure 18 Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 5 Sydney Airport 45

51 Alexandra Canal and Mascot Fire Station on the proposed short-term route; and Water and Sewage Pumping Station No. 38 and the ruins of the Botany Water Pumping Station beside the conceptual longer-term route option (and both within the grounds of Sydney Airport). Details of all 49 historic heritage sites are given below. Nationally Significant Cultural Heritage Items BOTANY WATER RESERVES/BOTANY SWAMPS - Mascot Register of the National Estate Place Number 17854, indicative place State Heritage Register Listing Number 01317, gazetted 18 November 1999 National Trust of Australia (NSW) classified, Listing Number 6813 Botany Heritage Study site 4.3 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 166 Botany Water Reserve holds considerable value for Sydney and NSW because it contains the only remaining major components - substantial layout and other important physical evidence from the 1850s through to the 1870s - of the unique water supply system that supported the expansion of the Sydney metropolis for most of the latter half of the 19th Century. It represents Sydney's third main water supply system since colonisation. The Water Reserve is also notable for the surviving remnants of the early 19th Century industries associated with the prominent emancipist merchant Simeon Lord. Engine and Mill Ponds and Mill Stream - within this sector - are remnants of the original waterways being located within the lower portion of the reserve. The reserve includes land which, in 1855, was the subject of the first resumptions for the purpose of a water supply system by a government in Australia. Part of the original 1850s sand-cast iron water supply pipe remains within the site representing a remnant of the State's oldest main. The scheme was one of the largest civil engineering works undertaken in NSW and was the most important single mechanical engineering project undertaken in NSW up to that date. The reserve is also has regional importance on account of the substantial infrastructure it contains of the 1910s Southern and Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer System (SWSOOS No 1) - since augmented during by SWSOOS No 2 - representing one of the first major separate sewers in Sydney as well as incorporating new ventilation technologies. The overall SWSOOS network remains Sydney's largest sewer system. The Engine and Mill Pond, although substantially altered, are significant as the site of Simeon Lord's water powered flour mill and textile mill respectively. Simeon Lord's textile mill site and Mill Pond represent the first major private manufacturing enterprise in Australia. The Engine Pond Dam was raised and strengthened during and the water level raised a further 6 feet 6 inches. The site of Simeon Lord's mills, dams and houses are an area of archaeological potential. The open space areas encompassed by the reserve include wetlands of recognised regional ecological value as native animal habitat and movement corridors, and may include animal species of conservation significance. Engine Ponds (East and West) 46

52 and Mill Stream, represent the most significant area of habitat within the grounds of Sydney Airport. The reserve is of regional environmental importance as a major recharge source for the Sydney basin aquifer. It likely holds special interest as a landmark cultural and recreational landscape for the regional community. RUINS OF THE FORMER BOTANY WATER PUMPING STATION (Sydney Airport) Mascot Register of the National Estate Place Number (interim list), listed 24 September 2002 Botany Heritage Study site un-numbered Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 176 The Botany Water Pumping Station and Chimney ruins are evidence of the principal element in Sydney's third water supply system in operation , and on standby The Pumping Station was in operation by November 1859 and in its first year (1860) it pumped 326,008,080 gallons of water through the 30-inch mains to the Crown St Reservoir. At the time it was crucial for the viability and health of Sydney to develop as a city. The Pumping Station was dismantled and auctioned in 1896 but was not demolished until after The chimney stack was connected as a ventilation shaft to the Southern and Western Ocean Outfall Sewers and its chimney drastically cut in height in l945 as a hazard to air traffic. The Botany Water Pumping Station ruins and chimney ruins consist of the engine room foundations, ruined walls, the supposed well of the boiler room and the shortened chimney stack. Associated outbuildings may also survive nearby. It is an area of archaeological potential. The ruins are significant evidence of Australia's first attempt at a major steam pumped water supply system, based on the then state of the art beam engine pumping stations being built by major cities in Britain, Europe and the USA. The scheme was one of the largest civil engineering works undertaken in NSW, and was the most important single mechanical engineering project undertaken in NSW, to that date. The Engine and Boiler House, Chimney and surviving dams provide tangible physical evidence of this major mid-nineteenth century engineering work. The now disused 30-inch cast iron main is probably the oldest water main surviving in Sydney. It is technically significant for its spigot and socket joints, which sealed against pressure without the use of bolts or gaskets. ALEXANDRA CANAL Mascot/Tempe Register of the National Estate Place Number (interim list), listed 24 September 2002 Botany Heritage Study site 1.9 (sandstone embankment) Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing numbers 179 (Alexandra Canal) and 1 (sandstone embankment) Alexandra Canal is a relic of the 19 th Century NSW Government's initiative to create water transport, based upon the English canal system, as a means of developing an industrial complex in the Alexandria and Botany areas and exploiting the use of unemployed labour to achieve its scheme. Dredging commenced in 1887 to adapt Shea's Creek, a tributary of the Cooks River, into a canal. The intention was to create manufacturing and industrial opportunities in the area by offering shipping as a means of transporting cargo. During the depression of the 1890s the canal was constructed as part of unemployment relief work. As sections of the canal were completed, wharves were constructed along the 47

53 route to encourage its use. Development of the Alexandra Canal ceased in 1912 but by then it had already become a white elephant, due to the need for constant dredging and repair, and it was receiving little commercial use. The canal was never considered a success and by the early 1940s its use had declined to such an extent that the wharves were demolished. Nevertheless, the waterway was maintained in working condition by the Public Works Department throughout the ensuing decades, until its virtual abandonment in the 1950s. Major changes to the Alexandra Canal occurred when Sydney Airport was expanded, over three phases, from 1947 to The section of canal south of the railway bridge (below Coward Street near Qantas Drive) dates from these 1970 works. The canal s original banks, above this point, were generally formed by pitching comprising sloping dry-laid ashlar sandstone capped with a sandstone coping (the section of sandstone embankment listed in Schedule 3 of the Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995). The Alexandra Canal played a seminal role in the changing pattern and evolution of the occupation and industrial use of the local area and nearby suburbs. Historically, the Alexandra Canal is a rare example of 19 th Century navigational canal construction in Australia, being one of only two purpose-built canals in the State. The Canal is a representative example of a late 19 th Century coastal navigational canal, and intact original sections of the fascine-dyke sandstone construction are rare examples of late 19 th Century coastal engineering works. Intact original sections of the canal, comprising pitched dry-packed ashlar sandstone, are aesthetically valuable and the canal is a major landmark and dramatic component of the industrial landscape of the area. The Alexandra Canal is associated with the operations of the NSW Public Works Department in the late 19 th Century and is one of a large number of dredging and navigation works carried out by that Department at the time. MASCOT FIRE STATION Mascot Register of the National Estate Place Number 19138, indicative place Botany Heritage Study site 1.3 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 97 Mascot Fire Station was designed in 1912 for horse-drawn vehicles by the notable architects Spain, Cosh and Minnett and was an early project by the 1909 Fire Commissioners. It serviced both a permanent force and volunteers, petrol fire engines were introduced in The building s scale was indicative of the industrial requirements of the region. The building is a representative example of the Federation period arts and craft ( free) style. It is aesthetically significant as a finely detailed and remarkably intact example of the Federation free style. Its domestic scale and dignified air are seen as making a fitting contribution to the streetscape. SYDNEY (KINGSFORD SMITH) AIRPORT GROUP Mascot Register of the National Estate Place Number (interim list), listed 24 September 2002 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 181 Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport is a site that has been continuously developed as a government aerodrome since As an evolving, complex landscape, first used as a private aerodrome in 1919, it contains an array of buildings and structures used in the development of domestic Australian and International commercial aviation. The site is regarded as having a significant presence associated with the aviation industry and has become a significant point of arrival and departure in New South Wales and Australia. 48

54 The airport's layout, runways, control towers and specific buildings and elements of the site, contribute strongly to the overall story of the development of Australia's aviation industry. The airport played a role in regulating and accommodating air traffic in two key events of Australia's history during the twentieth century, World War II and the 2000 Olympic Games. Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport is also associated with many significant people. It was named Kingsford Smith Airport (formerly Mascot) in 1936, after Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. The airport is also associated with many important aviators including Charles Ulm, Ross and Keith Smith, Jim Bennett, Wally Shiers, Amy Johnston, Jean Batten, and Nancy Bird Walton. The airport complex contains a suite of elements of heritage significance, including the following. The horse-shoe shaped access road, Keith Smith Avenue (1920s), a key remnant feature originally planned as an extension of a planned local subdivision but which directly influenced the underlying planning, layout and development of the airport. The east-west runway, construction of which in 1947 to 1955 required the diversion of the Cooks River, the SWSOOS (Muddy Creek section), General Holmes Drive, and the construction of Endeavour Bridge (some of the largest engineering works of this type carried out in Australia to that time). The first major extension of the north-south runway ( ) and second extension ( ) into Botany Bay, both major engineering achievements. Control towers, which document the evolution of the airport since Collectively the control towers illustrate changes in architectural fashion and construction notably the former Civil Aviation Terminal and Control Tower (Building 60) completed in 1940 in the Interwar Functionalist style, the Third Control Tower (Building 119) constructed in 1954 associated with the post-war phase of airport development in Sydney in the Dudokian Dutch Modern style, the Fourth Control Tower (Building 239) completed in 1969 is of historical and aesthetic significance and remains as a landmark in the airport landscape, and the Fifth Control Tower (Building 496) built in 1994 is a unique sculptural structure. Collectively, the four existing control towers demonstrate the changing requirements of airport traffic control since Buildings 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 128, 143 are of historic interest as evidence of light industrial development of the 1930s and 1940s within the Lauriston Park sub division. The Electricity Substation (Building 325), c , is of historic significance as one of the oldest buildings on the site, and is a representative example of the substations popular in the inter war period, utilitarian in nature but displaying prefunctionalist architectural features. The Botany Water Pumping Station and Chimney ruins are evidence of the principal element in Sydney's third water supply system in operation , and on standby The Engine and Mill Pond, although substantially altered, are significant as the site of Simeon Lord's water powered flour mill and textile mill respectively. Simeon Lord's textile mill site and Mill Pond represent the first major private manufacturing enterprise in Australia (Criterion A.4). Engine Ponds (East and West) and Mill Stream, represent the most significant area of habitat within the airport grounds. The Sewage Pumping Station, Inspection Hall and Substation buildings, 1915, are of historical, technical and aesthetic significance. 49

55 The Alexandra Canal, 1890s, is of historic, technical and aesthetic significance. It is a rare example of a nineteenth century navigational canal, being one of only two built in NSW. The Southern and Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer No. 1 and 2 (SWSOOS), are of considerable historic and scientific significance. SWSOOS No. 1 was designed and built by the NSW Department of Public Works and opened in It was one of the early sewers to service the southern, western and Illawarra suburbs of Sydney and important in the evolution of Sydney's sewerage infrastructure. Fifteen figs, associated with the former Ascot Racecourse entry, are located near the helicopter facilities. Other trees including Norfolk Island Pines, Canary Island Palms and a Chinese Redwood provide evidence of earlier uses of the airport site and have aesthetic value, providing a natural contrast to the surrounding built environment. Items of Cultural Heritage Significant at the State Level WATER AND SEWERAGE PUMPING STATION NO. 38 GROUP (General Holmes Drive, Sydney Airport) Mascot Register of the National Estate part of the Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport Group interim listing State Heritage Register Listing Number 01344, gazetted 18 November 1999 Botany Heritage Study site 4.3 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 166 Sewage Pumping Station No. 38 is located within the grounds of Sydney Airport opposite the long term carpark, south of the main terminal complexes and beside General Holmes Drive. It consists of a main single storey brick building. It is a representative example of a simple, robust and well proportioned Federation Free Style industrial building - the architectural expressions of which can be found in the structural detailing of the facade, superb brickwork, and roof forms (the building retains its original slate cladding and gambrel roof with vents). A sandstone lintel above the entrance is inscribed with "MWS & DB 1915". Adjacent is an inspection hall and substation of a similar design except smaller. The Sewage Pumping Station, Inspection Hall and Substation buildings, built in 1915, are of historical, technical and aesthetic significance. The Station was the first of a group of low-level Sewage Pumping Stations constructed to serve the Southern and Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer No.1 (SWOOS No. 1), illustrating a major change in the way Sydney dealt with its waste from low lying areas and an important element in the evolution of Sydney's sewerage infrastructure. The buildings are a good example of the utilitarian, robust and well proportioned Federation Free style buildings. The mechanical components within the building have potential industrial archaeological value. The building contains one of the early generation of integrated electrical low level sewage pumping stations. The building and its architectural detailing makes a strong contribution to the visual catchment of the airport precinct and Botany area. The facility remains in use as use as a sewage pumping station. Locally Significant Items of Cultural Heritage 50

56 Beckenham Memorial Church Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.56 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 52 A Federation gothic-style brick church from the early 1900s. Botany Public School (c. 1869) Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.9 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 23 A site of continuous education in the Botany area since The original school is an example of the Victorian period gothic-style, while the later school is representative of the Federation period arts and craft style. Captain Cook Hotel Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.8 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 38 A representative example of the Federation period arts and craft style. Electricity Substation No. 153 Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.32 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 69 Utilitarian structure representing the Federation period arts and craft style. Enoch Taylor and Co. Main Factory Building Botany Recorded on the State Heritage Resister as a local heritage feature. Finnies Buildings Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.64 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 37 Building group representative of the Federation period. Hippo s Friends Child Care Centre Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.53 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 36 A representative example of the Victorian period Egyptian style. House (19 Bay Street) Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.24 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 13 A representative example of the Victorian period workers cottage style. House (23 Byrne Street) Botany Recorded on the State Heritage Resister as a local heritage feature. House Group (45-47 Bay Street) Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.25 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 14 51

57 A representative example of the Victorian period workers cottage style. Site of the original fishing and boat village. House Group (18-20 Erith Street) Botany Botany Heritage Study site un-numbered Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 105 M.B.W.S and S. Sewer Pumping Station no. 60 Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.22 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 83 A representative example of the Federation period arts and craft styler utility building. Memorial Park Botany Botany Heritage Study site L.1.1 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 71 Streetscape, Verge Plantings of Canary Island Date Palms (Bay Street, west of Botany Road) Botany Botany Heritage Study site L.2.4 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 10 A representative example of the Victorian period workers cottage style. Former National Bank of Australasia Roseberry Botany Heritage Study site 1.28 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 31 A representative example of the Victorian period classical Georgian style. Botany Family Day Care Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.25 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 98 A representative example of the Victorian period Georgian style. Commercial Building Group ( Botany Road) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.00 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 33 A building group which provides a representative example of the Federation period free classical style. Coronation Hall Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.75 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 32 A representative example of the Federation period with recent work in the international style. House (85 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.18 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 87 A representative example of the Federation period bungalow style. 52

58 House (110 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.19 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 89 A representative example of the Federation period bungalow style. House (117 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.20 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 91 A representative example of the inter-war period (weatherboard) bungalow style. House (119 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.21 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 93 A representative example of the Federation period Queen Anne style. House (121 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.22 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 94 A representative example of the Federation period Queen Anne style. House (71 Frogmore Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.56 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 108 A representative example of the Federation period bungalow style. House (151 King Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 149 A representative example of the inter-war period bungalow style, with Georgian revival detailing. House (174 Sutherland Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.57 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 164 A representative example of the Victorian period Italianate style. House (64-66 Wellington Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.31 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 175 A representative example of the Victorian period Italianate style. House Highhurstwood (125 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.24 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 96 53

59 A representative example of the Victorian period Georgian style, and one of the original coward Street buildings. House Orara (123 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.23 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 95 A representative example of the inter-war period Californian bungalow style. House Group (997-9 Botany Road) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.81 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 29 A representative example of the Victorian period Italianate style. House Group (144-8 King Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 147 A building groups representative of the Federation period bungalow style. Mascot Park Mascot Botany Heritage Study site L.1.15 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 86 Mature Ficus Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.18 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 87 Mature fig tree at 818 Botany Road. Mascot Underbridge (O Riordan Street) Mascot Recorded on the State Heritage Resister as a local heritage feature. Concrete bridge for the Botany Line. Railway Bridge (over Botany Road, near McBurney Avenue) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.7 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 159 Part of the initial Sydenham to Botany goods railway built in (part of the major Sydney good railway expansion 1909 to 1925), links botany industries to the main network. Massive brick bridge construction. Mascot Underbridge (Robey Street) Mascot Recorded on the State Heritage Resister as a local heritage feature. Bridge under the Botany Line. Shop (95 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.30 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 88 A representative example of the Victorian period Regency style, in the retail portion of Waterloo Estate. 54

60 Shop (115 Coward Street) Mascot Botany Heritage Study site un-numbered Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 90 St Therese s Catholic Church Building Group Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.1 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 78 Centre of the new Mascot Parish in 1940 (which had previously only been a subsidiary Catholic outstation). Development of a large scale Catholic Church complex indicative of population shift to Mascot and the product of substantial community effort. A representative example of the inter-war period Romanesque style. Uniting Church and Rectory Mascot Botany Heritage Study site 1.2 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 92 First permanent Methodist church in Mascot from A representative example of the Federation period Gothic style. Burrows Road Timber Stores - Tempe Marrickville Local Environmental Plan 55

61 8. Sector 6 Botany 8.1 Overview of Recommended Route This sector extends from the western end of Sir Joseph Banks Park to Military Road, Matraville to the south-east. The recommended route, and a small distance of short-term option, for this sector is shown on Figure 19. For much of this sector Sir Joseph Banks Park provides an appealing green space for the Trail to traverse. The existing network of tracks in the park, although not always of multi-use standard, link through to Botany Golf Course in the south-east. It is proposed that a multi-use path be established along the southern boundary of Botany Golf Course as far as Botany Road. The northern verge of Botany Road is generally wide enough to accommodate a multi-use path to Bunnerong Road. An exception to this is a section approximately 100 metres either side of Beauchamp Road where only a narrow path is able to be constructed due to topography and existing land use. The route crosses Botany Road prior to the Bunnerong Road intersection and continues on the western side of Bunnerong Road to Military Road. Short-term Route Until the proposed path on the southern side of Botany Golf Course can be provided, an alternative short-term route will be necessary for Trail continuity in this area. A suitable short-term route is available by exiting Sir Joseph Banks Park at its northeast end and continuing into Dent Street and along the northern side of Botany Road. This requires walkers to cross Botany Road to access an existing footpath along northern side of Botany Road which continues almost to Foreshore Road. For cyclists the Botany Road pavement is sufficiently wide enough to accommodate a bicycle lane in both directions. The Foreshore Road end of Botany Road receives a high volume of heavy traffic posing potential safety risks to cyclists, although this is partly ameliorated by long sightlines along this part of Botany Road. 8.2 Natural Heritage Sites and Values Foreshore Beach and Sir Joseph Banks Park is largely a constructed landscape feature. Foreshore Beach, and much of the park behind it, extending from the mouth of Mill Stream in the north for over 2 kilometres to an area known as Penrhyn Estuary is comprised mainly of sands dredged from Botany Bay during the Port Botany construction activities in the 1970s (URS, 2004). Coastal dune heath was planted and has colonised the hind dunes of the beach, although significant weed infestations are also present. 56

62 Figure 19 Recommended Route, Sector 6 Botany 57

63 The southern foreshore area in this sector is dominated by the operations of Port Botany and adjacent industrial development, and is a heavily modified terrestrial and marine environment, but also includes the Penrhyn Estuary which retains a number of natural heritage values despite its location and levels of disturbance. The 28 hectare Sir Joseph Banks Park contains some areas of planted bushland created on land that was reclaimed during the development of Port Botany in the 1970s. The park retained 6 hectares of original sand dunes and small pockets of remnant vegetation, however areas of these remaining sand dunes were moulded and reshaped during the park s further development and formalisation in The park includes a network of ponds along its western half which provide a habitat for waterbirds. In the mid 1990s new ponds were established to provide habitat for a relocated population of the threatened Green and Gold Bell Frog. A terrestrial ecology survey of most of this sector, undertaken as part of the Port Botany Expansion EIS (URS 2004), identified the following three vegetation communities. A planted shrubland community occurs on marine sands and was recorded in the hind dunes along Foreshore Beach, the Mill Stream and Penrhyn Estuary. This community is dominated by Banksia integrifolia and a sparse groundcover of herbs and grasses. The planted shrubland community that is now found along the hind dunes of Foreshore Beach, along the Mill Stream and along Penrhyn Road foreshore was considered to be of low to moderate conservation value. A saltmarsh community, covering approximately 1.15 ha, occurs on marine sands as well as alluvial deposits (muds) as a narrow fringe above the mangroves in the mid to upper intertidal zone of Penrhyn Estuary on both the eastern and western sides of the channels entering the Estuary. The saltmarsh community is of high conservation value as the only saltmarsh on the northern shoreline of Botany Bay, and is considered to be of regional significance as shown on Figure 20. Saltmarsh is of high ecological significance to fish and migratory shorebirds. A grey mangrove community is generally confined to the lower intertidal zone on both sides of the eastern channel entering the Penrhyn Estuary and is of low to moderate conservation value. Mangrove communities are protected under the NSW Fisheries Management Act. Penrhyn Estuary is essentially the only habitat remaining for shorebirds formerly abundant in the northern part of Botany Bay. It provides important feeding and roosting habitat for non-migratory and migratory shorebirds, many of which are listed as under the Threatened Species Conservation Act While the Penrhyn Estuary provides an important ecological habitat for migratory shorebirds, water quality within the estuary is poor due to historical contamination from industrial land uses in the surrounding catchment. Species of conservation significance recorded from this area in the NPWS Wildlife Atlas include the Little Tern (which is also listed under the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992), Pied Oystercatcher, Lesser Sand plover, Terek Sandpiper, Sanderling and Diamond Firetail as shown on Figure

64 Figure 20 Natural Heritage Values, Sector 6 Botany 59

65 The area of conservation value in Penrhyn Estuary is some distance from the Trail s proposed route, and on the opposite side of Foreshore/Botany Roads. By comparison with the estuary, Foreshore Beach to the north west is of little value for shorebird habitat. This is due to wave action steepening its profile and deepening the immediate foreshore which, combined with frequent disturbance from people and unleashed dogs that walk the beach, has essentially precluded the use of the remaining beach as feeding habitat for shorebirds (URS, 2004). Nevertheless several species of conservation significance, including protected migratory species, have been recorded according to the NPWS Wildlife Atlas from the ponds developed in Sir Joseph Banks Park behind the beach. These include the Little Tern, Greater Sand plover, Terek Sandpiper, Black tailed Godwit, Great Knot and Sanderling as shown on Figure 20. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas also records the Green and Gold Bell Frog (the relocated population described above) and Grey-headed Flying-fox as other threatened species known to occur in these ponds or visit this semi-natural area. These wetlands are adjacent to the Trail s proposed route, along the existing paths within Sir Joseph Banks Park. The threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox has been recorded from the southern end of Botany Road, but is unlikely to roost in this heavily industrialised and high traffic area. No plant species of conservation significance, as listed in the NPWS Wildlfie Atlas, have been recorded along the Trail s proposed route in this sector (the record for Sunshine Wattle, on Bunnerong Road shown on Figiure 20, relates to the following Sector 7). 8.3 Cultural Heritage Values Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values Only 2 Aboriginal cultural heritage sites are recorded on the DECC AHIMS database in the vicinity of the Trail s proposed route for this sector - as shown on Figure 21. Both are in the far south-east of this sector and some distance off the Trail s recommended route, in the vicinity of the old Bunnerong Power Station site. Site is a rock shelter with midden material, and the nearby site is an open shell midden. The cultural heritage survey undertaken as part of the EIS for the expansion of Port Botany did not record any Aboriginal heritage sites in the area from the mouth of Mill Stream to Penrhyn Estuary (at the intersection of Penrhyn Road and Foreshore Road). The EIS argues that since the foreshore in this part of Botany Bay has been reclaimed for as much as 400 metres, the area on which Foreshore Beach is now located would have been well below high tide level and it is highly unlikely that this zone would contain any Aboriginal cultural sites. A 400 metre wide reclamation area would also incorporate much of Sir Joseph Banks Park which, when combined with the reshaping and moulding of dunes in the 1970s, considerably reduces the likelihood of the area containing extant tangible Aboriginal sites. 60

66 Figure 21 Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 6 Botany 61

67 8.3.2 Historic Heritage Sites and Values The City of Botany Bay LEP 1995 lists numerous heritage items in Botany and Banksmeadow. The majority of these are built structures which will not be impacted from the routing of the Botany Bay Trail nearby. A number of heritage items other than built structures are listed, including the regionally significant Sir Joseph Banks Park, parts of which date from the 1920s. Again, the substantial reclamation of the foreshore and Sir Joseph Banks Park means that few heritage items would exist in this area, with the possible exception of marine structures that extended significantly into the Bay. The cultural heritage survey undertaken as part of the EIS for the expansion of Port Botany did not record any non-aboriginal heritage sites on land in the area from the mouth of Mill Stream to Penrhyn Estuary (at the intersection of Penrhyn Road and Foreshore Road). A total of 12 historic heritage sites occur in this sector within the Trail s proposed corridor, as shown on Figure 22. However only 4 sites are situated on the recommended long-term route, while 3 others area located along the short-term route. Five sites occur in close proximity (one street away, or less than 100 metres distant) to the Trail s proposed route. One of the sites located on the Trail s route is the lower section of the Bunnerong Stormwater Channel No. 11, which is considered to be of state level significance. Just off the Trail s proposed route is the former Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, which is considered to be nationally significant. Details of all these 12 sites are given below. Nationally Significant Cultural Heritage Items FORMER SIR JOSEPH BANKS HOTEL - Botany Register of the National Estate Place Number , registered 21 March 1978 State Heritage Register Listing Number 00076, gazetted 2 April 1999 National Trust of Australia (NSW) classified, Listing Number 7650 Botany Heritage Study site 2.6 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 2 A large former bay-side hotel of considerable historical and architectural worth, constructed in the 1840s and which remains virtually intact from early Victorian times. In 2000 the former hotel was converted into apartments, and external restoration works undertaken. Items of Cultural Heritage Significant at the State Level BUNNERONG STORMWATER CHANNEL NO Matraville State Heritage Register Listing Number 626, gazetted 1 January 2000 The Bunnerong Stormwater Channel originally drained an area of hectares lying mostly within the Municipality of Randwick and partly in the Municipality of Botany. The drain emptied into Botany Bay near McCauley Street, Botany. The total 62

68 Figure 22 Historic Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 6 Botany 63

69 channel is over 9 kilometres in length with the majority (over 80%) being constructed from concrete, in the form of box drains (over 45%) with some sections of open channel (15%) and pipe. The Bunnerong Stormwater drainage system is representative of stormwater channels in the Sydney Water Corporation system constructed by the Public Works Department between as part of the Unemployment Relief Program. During the Depression the Minister for Public Works authorised the construction of many new stormwater channels within the Board s area of operations. Large areas of inner and suburban Sydney gained widespread improvements in their stormwater drainage systems as a result. The lower section of the system crosses the Trail s proposed route, as an open channel, at Botany Road. Locally Significant Items of Cultural Heritage Sir Joseph Banks Park Botany Botany Heritage Study site L.2.1 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 25 Part of the grounds of the adjacent Sir Joseph Banks Hotel with which it was associated. Formed in the 1920s and subsequently improved. Considered of local to regional level significance. APM Building (c. 1902) (1891 Botany Road) Matraville Randwick Heritage Study Randwick Local Environmental Plan 1998, Schedule 3 item number 11 A large brick industrial building of simple design with raised parapets in sections above pilastered columns. Built right to the street frontage with mature Canary Island palms planted around. Constructed around 1902 when Federal Paper Mills commenced production at this 14 hectare site. The abundant water, required for paper making, was available from the underground Botany Basin. The company become Australian Paper Mills in This site is a complex of considerable historical and industrial archaeological significance and part of the history of paper making in Australia. Botany Marshalling Yards - Banksmeadow Botany Heritage Study site un-numbered Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 21 Botany Bay Hotel Banksmeadow Botany Heritage Study site 2.79 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 62 Typical of the development of suburban seafront hotels in the late 1800s. representative example of Victorian period, Georgian style. Pier Hotel Banksmeadow Botany Heritage Study site 2.80 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 73 A 64

70 Built on the site of an earlier hotel of the same name (the pier was the government pier used for Botany Bay shipping). A representative example of inter-war period functionalist style. House Helena (1424 Botany Road) Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.78 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 56 A representative example of the Federation period Georgian style. Sir Joseph Banks Hotel (c. 1920) Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.70 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 76 A representative example of the inter-war period free style. John Brotchie Kindergarten Botany Botany Heritage Study site 2.10 Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 54 Formerly the Botany School of Arts Hall, initial meeting place of Botany Council in A representative example of the Victorian period free classical style. House (1365 Botany Road) Botany Botany Heritage Study site un-numbered Botany Local Environmental Plan 1995, Schedule 3 listing number 55 House (18 Moorina Avenue) Matraville Randwick Heritage Study site un-numbered Randwick Local Environmental Plan 1998, Schedule 3 item number 41 Post-war brick house considered a very good example of the Late Modern style. All brick with some attractive decorative brickwork, characteristic of the period, as well as typical thick piers to the front porch. 65

71 9. Sector 7 La Perouse 9.1 Overview of Recommended Route This sector extends from Military Rd, Matraville to La Perouse and Botany Bay National Park. The Botany Bay foreshore from the end of Military Road to La Perouse Point is all open space - comprising Gwea Reserve, Yarra Bay landfill site, Bicentennial Park, Frenchmans Bay Reserve and Botany Bay National park. Recommended Long Term Route The recommended long-term route, as shown on Figure 23 (and the far north-west end on the previous Figure 19), involves a multi-use path along the nature strip of Military Road as far as the bottom of the small hill near the intersection with Bumborah Point Road. At this point the route veers south-east and climbs across the rise of Bumbora Point through an area known as Gwea Reserve and crosses the Yarra Bay landfill site as outlined in Randwick City Council s concept plan for the area. The proposed multi-use path in the Yarra Bay landfill site connects with the existing multi-use path network in Bicentennial Park and thence Elaroo Road. A small section of the bicycle route will be on the road pavement of Elaroo Road while a pedestrian path can be provided on the nature strip. From Elaroo Road the route traverses Frenchmans Bay Reserve and connects with Endeavour Avenue, La Perouse and La Perouse Point. Walkers may simply choose to venture along the beaches of Yarra Bay and Frenchmans Bay. Short-term Route Until the proposed path through the old landfill site at Yarra Bay and Frenchmans Bay Reserve can be provided, a short-term route is required. It is possible to provide a separate short-term route for walkers and cyclists, primarily due to the short-term walking route being unsuitable for cyclists. Short-term Option for Cyclists: The short-term cycling route makes use of an existing Council cycleway through Chifley and Little Bay. It is accessed by Crossing Bunnerong Road into Wassell Street. Short-term Option for Walkers: The generous verges of Military Road and the wide sandy beaches of both Yarra Bay and Frenchmans Bay provide the opportunity for a recommended walking track route through this area to be promoted in the short-term. (A recommended walking track route is a suitable route for a walking but one which has no formal path or track in place). The recommended route would involve walking along the nature strip of Military Road, along a short dirt track around the southern end of Botany Cemetery and then along the two beaches and Yarra Point to reach La Perouse shops. 66

72 Figure 23 Recommended Route, Sector 7 La Perouse 67

73 Extensions Eastward into Botany Bay National Park (North) Walking tracks links are available from Cann Park on the eastern side of La Perouse Point into Botany Bay National Park. Cyclists are able to continue to Henry Head or Cape Banks via the national park internal access road off Anzac Parade. The park access road may be widened as part of the planned heliport construction, and a dedicated multi-use path on the road verge may be provided. 9.2 Natural Heritage Values The natural heritage values of this sector are chiefly concentrated in the La Perouse section of Botany Bay National Park, the natural values of which have been reasonably well researched and documented. The most significant conservation sites here are 2 occurrences of the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub endangered ecological community as shown on Figure 24. The Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub originally covered over 7,000 hectares between Port Jackson and Botany Bay. Today less than 1% of this original cover remains. Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub occurs on the deep sand sheet that covers much of the Eastern Suburbs and consists of several different structural types including: woodland/open forest (Angophora costata-corymbia gummifera association); scrubland (Leptospermum laevigatum-kunzea ambigua-acacia sophorae association); heath (Banksia aemula-xanthorrhoea resinifera association); and different types of wet heath and wetlands. Over 200 plant species have been recorded in Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub remnants. In Sydney species that occur only in these endangered communities include Astroloma pinifolium, Banksia aemula, Hibbertia fasciculata, Monotoca scoparia, Persoonia lanceolata and Xanthorrhoea resinifera. Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub was the first endangered ecological community listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act Within the Sydney region it is also listed as an endangered ecological community under the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act The occurrences of this community within the La Perouse area are consequently of national conservation significance. Two areas of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub occur in the vicinity of the Trail s proposed route, although the Trail does not cut any core areas of this significant community nor require any new paths through these areas. The closest of these is in the upper section of Happy Valley beside Anzac Parade and south of Grose Street, just north of the La Perouse Peninsula. The threatened Green and Gold Bell Frog and Eastern Bentwing-bat have also been recorded in this area, according to NPWS Wildlife Atlas data. The other area is a more intact and diverse area of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub further east (in the Jennifer Street area on lands more recently added to the park). This small area contains over 140 species and a large number of rare plants - including Aristida ramosa, Gonocarpus salsoloides, Darwinia leptantha, Eriocaulon 68

74 Figure 24 Natural Heritage Values, Sector 7 La Perouse 69

75 scariosum, Rulingia hermanniifolia, Asplenium obtusatum var. difforme, Plinthanthesis paradoxa, Platysace lanceolata, Oxylobium cordifolium, Callistemon pinifolius, Melaleuca squamea and two uncommon perennial herbs. This area includes several small freshwater swamps, which are also listed as the Sydney Freshwater Wetlands endangered community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act Generally, the vegetation of the La Perouse area within Botany Bay National Park is very diverse, with over 350 species recorded. It protects remnants of the vegetation that used to be common throughout Sydney s Eastern Suburbs including heath (dominated by species such as tea-trees, banksias and Christmas bushes) and low closed forest (dominated by Sydney Red Gums) that occurs in the sheltered valleys of sand dunes (such as behind Congwong Bay). A cluster of threatened fauna species records occur above Little Congwong Beach, east of the Trail s north-eastern end on the La Perouse Peninsula. The NPWS Wildlife Atlas records the Wallum Froglet, Eastern Bentwing-bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Powerful Owl, Pied Oystercatcher and Star Finch as sightings in this area. Excluding Botany Bay National Park, the natural environmental values in this sector are primarily associated with remnant vegetation in Frenchmans Bay Reserve, Bicentennial Park and the Yarra Bay shoreline. While subject to varying levels of disturbance each site has a role to play in providing habitat and movement corridor for native fauna. In recent years Randwick City Council has been taking an active role in regenerating and replanting endemic flora in these reserves. The threatened Sunshine Wattle has been recorded the vicinity of the Trail s proposed short-term route in the far western part of this sector off Bunnerong Road (as shown on Figure 20). This species has also been recorded form the La Perouse area of Botany Bay National Park, but well off the Trail s route. Marine species of conservation significance which have been recorded off-shore from the La Perouse Peninsula and Frenchmans Bay include the Humpback Whale, Australian Fur-seal, Dugong and Green Turtle. 9.3 Cultural Heritage Values ` Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values The Aboriginal cultural heritage of the La Perouse Peninsula and surrounding area has been reasonably well recorded. A total of 12 Aboriginal cultural heritage sites chiefly rock engravings and middens and one sheltered art site - have been recorded from the La Perouse Peninsula, Bare Island and Congwong Beach area, as shown on Figure 25. These include the following sites, which are all located in close proximity to the existing loop road around the outer edge of the peninsula: 7 rock engravings including engravings of a whale and its calf, a shark and several unidentified motifs (all the engravings are extremely faint and not easily seen) (Sites , , , , , and ); 2 shell middens (Sites and ); and 70

76 Figure 25 Indigenous Heritage Sites and Values, Sector 7 La Perouse 71