Eighty-five and still going strong

Described by work colleagues as the ‘strong and silent type’, a long-standing harbour fixture was quietly awarded an honour last week, celebrating 85 continued years of community service. The Goat Island’s crane, still operated today by a ship repair company, is on the verge of being granted an entry to the National Trust Register.

“As such a vital part of Sydney’s working harbour, the crane is a worthy landmark and testament to Sydney Harbour’s twentieth-century history,” said Graham Quint, Advocacy Manager at the National Trust. “The listing will recognise the significant heritage value of the crane to Australia’s maritime history.”

Although a number of this type of dockside tower cranes were installed in shipyards around the world, surviving examples of the breed are rare. The Goat Island’s crane is the only known survivor of its age and type in Australia.

The crane has led an illustrious life, being at the leading edge of machinery design when new. Located in the dry dock at what is now Mort Bay Park, it contributed to the construction of numerous ships, including a number of Sydney ferries, and maintenance of hundreds of others besides. During the Second World War, it made a significant contribution to the war effort, helping maintain and repair battle damage to naval ships, cargo vessels and troop carriers.

The listing comes at an important time, with the future of Goat Island up in the air pending the release of a review by a panel of 11 members, including former Prime Minister Paul Keating. Mr Keating has previously advocated a ‘return to the past’, pushing for large open spaces and the removal of traces of Sydney’s working harbour history.

Although not legally binding, National Trust officers hope the listing will further consideration of the crane’s role as an important part of the harbour’s history.