Sydney Branch: Walama – Ballast Point, Birchgrove: a ‘Green Necklace’

Walk with Colleen Morris, Christine Hay and James Quoyle around this spectacular headland park as they guide and reveal its little-known stories.

With continuing First Nations connections, its landform and waterway formed the setting for 19th century colonial occupation. In the early-mid 20th century the site was heavily modified to accommodate industry, part of its role in the working harbour.

Located in Birchgrove, for decades this headland was covered with grease and oil lubricant tanks and reservoirs, created for Caltex Australasia. Community activism, alarmed at plans for medium density housing here, led to the State government acquiring the land and commissioning a master plan and new public park. Design and consultation work took from 2003–05 and it opened in 2009.

Find out about the main players in this inspiring story of advocacy. And intriguing historical elements woven into its 2.5 ha parkland by renowned Landscape Architects McGregor Coxall.

While more ‘post-modern’, it took much from eminent landscape architect, Bruce Mackenzie’s influential approach used in the 1970s: respect for topography, local vegetation, sense of place, recycling and retaining traces of layers of the site’s history: here, more evident. Detailing is sharp and with time, planting is softening its lines and providing welcome ‘bush’ for visitors.

One of 10 nominations from the award-winning 2018 AILA Landscape Heritage study, the listing for Ballast Point Reserve was developed by Colleen Morris. It is currently recommended for listing on the State Heritage Register.

Venue: Ballast Point Park.

Meeting point: Grassed area near the public toilets at the intersection of Wharf Road and Ronald Street. Arrive for a 2pm start.

Cost: $25 AGHS members; $30 non-members; Students $5; includes light refreshments.

Book: at Trybooking.