White Bay cruise ship terminal latest blow to Barangaroo

The state government recently approved a controversial new cruise ship terminal at White Bay— the latest blow to the Barangaroo development.

Work is promised to begin within weeks after Planning Minister, Tony Kelly, approved the Balmain development despite numerous objections.

The City of Sydney and Leichhardt councils, along with Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD), the cruise ship industry, and the National Trust have argued the terminal should stay at Barangaroo.

Cruise ship passengers—namely international guests—will now have to navigate their way through congested streets and poor public transport to reach tourist destinations.

Deputy Lord Mayor and Vice-President of AfSD, Marcelle Hoff, said the decision would remove 200 years of shipping history from the Barangaroo site.

“This decision means that out international visitors who traditionally dock-and-shop in Darling Harbor and Circular Quay will soon face an ugly industrial site and minimal transport facilities when they arrive in Sydney,” she said.

“There is every reason to keep cruise ships at Barangaroo and no reason to impose 170 ships every year on the narrow streets of Balmain.”

But Mr Kelly said the decision would mean the public would have access to the shore, and illustrated the government’s commitment to “maintain Sydney as a working harbour”.

“The approval includes a condition that public access to the foreshore… must be maintained during the daytime on non-ship days and to the greatest extent possible functions and events,” he said.

But the project is worth $20 million more than originally budgeted—with a price tag now of $57 mil.

The relocation of the cruise-ship terminal is yet another example of inappropriate planning decisions for Barangaroo.

The decision further illustrates the government’s intent to rush decisions prior to the election—a list that is becoming increasingly predictable, and not to mention, long.

Ultimately the decision reflects the urgency to reform planning laws in NSW to prevent power being handed over to only a few people with vested interests.

Meanwhile, AfSD are continuing their court battle against Lend Lease and the Planning Minister this week.

They have launched action in the Land and Environment Court over contamination issues at Barangaroo.

Ms Hoff said the court case was continuing as the judge had not handed over his ruling yet, but she said progress was being made.

“It would appear that the contamination is worse than any of us expected,” she told City News.

“Questions need to be asked whether Lend Lease, or the Barangaroo Delivery Authority have been aware of this.”

Court proceedings were continuing at the time of publication.

More to come next week.

by Sophie Cousins