Project proponents: North Sydney Council
Location: Near Balls Head Reserve on Sydney Harbour. North Sydney local government area / Cammeraygal Country
Coastal management area(s): Coastal environment area and coastal use area
The Waverton Coal Loader was used for coal bunkering (ship refuelling) from 1919 until it was taken out of service in 1964. It was recommissioned and used as a coal export facility from 1974 until its closure in 1992.
The project transformed the coal loader platform, tunnels, nearby historic buildings and surrounding former industrial land into a public harbourside park. It has a strong focus on sustainability.
NSW Coastal Design Guidelines application
This case study shows how you can apply chapter 4.4 'Design guidance for the social and economic context' from the NSW Coastal Design Guidelines 2023 (PDF, 9.2 MB).
Objectives
Objective 4.4.1: Encourage sustainable, productive use of the natural coastal environment
Adaptive reuse of the historic coal bunker and tunnels has made several new uses possible, including open public space and a sustainability centre. The council has restored a wetland that formed in a former oil storage tank. Its role in water filtration is featured in the sustainability centre’s educational materials.
Objective 4.4.2: Ensure coastal infrastructure delivers civic space and community access
The project turned former site buildings into a visitor kiosk, community centre and training rooms. Repurposed tunnels also showcase the site’s industrial history, educating the community and tourists.
The council has transformed open space above the tunnels into a park with harbour views for the public to enjoy. New vegetable garden plots are available for local community use as many people in the area live in apartments and don’t have access to a garden.
Objective 4.4.3: Acknowledge and protect coastal Aboriginal peoples’ spiritual, social, cultural, customary and economic connection to coastal Country
There are several culturally significant Aboriginal places on the Coal Loader site. These include rock carvings, shell middens, caves and other places of archaeological and cultural importance.
The Coal Loader redevelopment restored the area around the rock carvings by:
- removing the existing roadway and fence
- using more natural barriers around carvings
- creating a floating timber platform to view carvings
- installing interpretive signs.