Public consultation for Cockatoo Island / Wareamah Draft Master Plan

1. Walking the shape of the island before 1788 : - very pleased to see the original (pre British) island shape being depicted/identified in situ to aid appreciation and give cohesion to the disparate parts, as far as possible. eg. the use of ground surface markers or other markers of varying height where relevant ; the loop walk
2. represent somehow the original height of the island - that the island plateau was higher prior to removal of rock is of interest - the aerial or sky walk is a good option, and use other markers
3. broadening of accommodation options and meeting differing budget styles, ages, cabins, is an improvement from the 2021 Concept. Support less/ or removal of palm trees , resort styles, shown around previous hotel concept
4. Item 6.4 - Large events - don't support this usage intensity - concern about 10 events per year for up to 3 days with up to 10,000 people - this seems too much, both to cater for, damage to the place, and impact eg noise, rubbish, etc, on surrounding peninsulas such as Woolwich, Greenwich
5. Microplastics - both generated on site and arrival on site : - have these been considered? Greenwich baths, nearly opposite, has an AUSMAP microplastic counting study ongoing which has identified many microplastics beaching within the sands of the baths beach
6. Noise impact on nearby localities - other impacts too - have these been considered?
7. "Premium" experience - used in reference to the Fitzroy Dock - the excavation idea is exciting, but it should not become something for which public cannot access and special access fees apply, except for special hiring uses - in which case, set limits on frequency etc
8. Commercialization - do not charge to enter the island not the precincts, except eg for dining, staying and entry to special exhibitions/events; all to be done with your proviso ( previous2021 Concept plan on p59 which is "not overwhelm the character of the sites as community sites, nor negate the objects of our enabling legislation."
9. Item 6.6 , 1. and 2. Sutherland Dock, Summary p10 - some aspects of phraseology raise 'Red Flag' of permissibility eg "Preserve for ships" . "consider future opportunities for ships to visit the island". Docking : are there to be cruise ships??? A Marina ?? this island place should not become the latest go-to place for big ships and rich boy's big cruiser toys to hang out. Kayak and so on is great, working shipyard, maybe some moorings, but NOT a Rushcutters Bay .
10. 2.4 Heritage Context - p18, the opening quote is rather white-colonial in is point of view, and later .....eg stating "unique in its position within so many threads of Australia’s history over the last 240 years, and the evidence of these threads remaining in its landscape." One hopes that the 3.2 First Nations Connecting with Country ideal in the Summary can express First Nations life on the island BEFORE the last 240 years. ie. ? thousands of years ago.