“Absolutely unnecessary and unjustified”: Countdown to Powerhouse Museum’s closure

by GRACE JOHNSON

With the Powerhouse Museum set to shut quietly this Sunday, calls have never been louder for the Minns Government to come clean about whether it is breaking a key election promise to keep the original Powerhouse Museum.

Since the announcement to close the museum for 3 years for refurbishments, the government still hasn’t released precise plans to refurbish the site, nor plans to redeploy staff to other roles.

Workers and community groups alike are deeply concerned that the government is secretly planning to gut the function of the Powerhouse Museum, much like the former Liberal Government’s plan to demolish and rebuild the museum into a fashion, events and commercial precinct.

The Public Service Association (PSA), the union representing Powerhouse workers and grassroots community groups, has been on the frontlines of calling for transparency from the government.

“Ever since they were elected, the government’s position on the Powerhouse has smelt fishy and now that stench is overwhelming,” said PSA General Secretary Stewart Little.

“Chris Minns repeatedly promised to save and refurbish the iconic Powerhouse Museum site before the election. Now we see the plan was apparently to close the museum and leave the whole thing a mystery.”

“Absolutely unnecessary and unjustified” 

City Hub spoke to leaders of the Save the Powerhouse campaign, Patricia Johnson and Jean-Pierre Alexandre, who emphasised there is no reason to close the museum.

“All the experts say that the museum can be renovated without closing or moving the collection,” said Mr Alexandre.

“It is absolutely unnecessary and unjustified.”

The government is also yet to file a State Significant Development (SDD) application, the process for which can take the better part of a year.

“So they are closing the museum to do nothing,” the pair said.

Visitor staff have reportedly already received notice of their termination. Other staff will move to rented offices in Parramatta or to the museum’s storehouse in Castle Hill.

On Thursday 1 February, Powerhouse workers will walk out and rally in front of the museum unless they receive the Refurbishment Plan for the museum and the Change Management Plan outlining their immediate working future.

As for Save the Powerhouse campaigners, the fight to keep the museum’s doors open will only intensify, even if the closure goes ahead.

“Even if the government succeeds in closing the museum temporarily, we’re going to redouble our efforts,” said Ms Johnson.

“We’re going to work even harder to get the museum reopened in the form that we know and respect, and which is respected throughout the world as a technology and science museum.”