Badangi, a unique, natural landscape on the northern bank of Sydney Harbour. Badangi is a 48-hectare site which has a rich Aboriginal history with evidence of Gammaraygal occupation and is one of the few remaining natural landscapes in public ownership on Sydney Harbour. The area is in blue below and includes Berrys Creek.
A few weeks later, Lane Cove Council issued a clean-up notice to Top Spring Australia for polluting Berrys Creek due to lack of sediment control – read more here. The developer agreed to voluntarily stop work and to rectify the sediment control. Top Spring Australia’s development is on the corner of River Road and Canberra Avenue St Leonards.
The day after the site was closed down and a fine issued, the sediment control was still not adequate.
Top Spring Australia’s Managing Director promoted the development and mentioned their gold star construction partner.
Heritage NSW Monitoring Lane Cove Council’s Investigations into Sediment Run-Off
Heritage NSW told ITC the following:
“Heritage NSW understand that during November 2023, a large sediment run-off event has impacted Berry’s Creek. The sediment has made its way along the creek with a build-up of silt in Gore Cove.
While the extent of the heritage impact of the sediment run-off is not yet clear, Heritage NSW understands Lane Cove Council and North Sydney Council are investigating the matter. Heritage NSW will review the outcome of the local council investigation and consider suitable actions under the Heritage Act 1977, if required.”
Will Lane Cove take steps to prosecute Top Spring Australia or continue to issue fines?
Background to Heritage Listing
The heritage listing was supported by Crown Lands to help protect a number of public foreshore parklands and reserves around the Greenwich and Wollstonecraft peninsulas, including Berry Island Reserve, Badangi Reserve, Manns Point, Holloway Park, Greendale Park, Smoothey Park and Gore Cove Reserve, and some nearby waterways.
This listing recognises the area’s deep links to the Gammaraygal people and the extraordinary cultural heritage found within the site, including shell middens, grinding grooves and rock engravings.
It also protects public ownership of Sydney Harbour’s foreshore for ecological and recreational purposes.
Over the years, Badangi’s natural and recreational values have made it a popular destination for locals, tourists and artists, with many renowned painters and photographers choosing to capture this unique place.
Listing Badangi on the State Heritage Register is an important step in preserving the history and culture of NSW.
Minister for Heritage, The Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC said:
“Badangi provides a valuable natural space in a highly urbanised city for us to engage with landscape, nature, Aboriginal culture and spectacular views of Sydney Harbour.
“The breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River have been captured by many renowned artists throughout history, from Arthur Streeton’s impressionist seascapes to Harold Cazneaux’s stunning photographs.”
Frank Howarth, Chair, Heritage Council of NSW said:
“Protecting more harbour foreshore will provide an attractive natural place for both residents and tourists to enjoy.
“It’s also important to protect the Aboriginal cultural heritage found within this extraordinary site, including ancient relics like shell middens, grinding grooves and rock engraving adorning the shores of Berry Island.”
Nathan Moran, CEO, Metropolitan LALC said:
“Metropolitan LALC believes there is great importance of the Berry Island area, and in respecting the Gammaraygal who are and always will be the respected cultural leaders of the area.
“It was they who led Yoola Ba Ding annual ceremonies (initiations) on Gadigal Nura (Country).”
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW said:
“The listing of Badangi is a significant achievement in that it protects a landscape grouping of exceptional heritage value, informed by a rigorous process of identification and assessment for landscape heritage.
“Australian Institute of Landscape Architects commends this recognition of the need to conserve not only iconic structures, such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but importantly entire landforms, harbour waters and their network of parklands, as places for future generations to enjoy.”
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