It’s beautiful – but Wollongong Harbour’s rich history is falling into disrepair. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
A plan to manage and preserve the Flagstaff Hill and Smith’s Hill fortifications will go out for public comment.
Wollongong City Council’s draft Conservation Management Plan has been prepared for the heritage areas, with the goal of enhancing the visual and historic value of Wollongong’s Blue Mile.
A report to council’s latest meeting said Wollongong Harbour was initially constructed between 1837-1844 by convict labour and became the centre of activity in the town.
The harbour was the key point of arrival and the centre of trade into and out of the town.
The harbour fast became one of the key ports within the colony of NSW and demanded protection from potential threat following the Crimean War.
The earliest defences installed to protect Wollongong Harbour were the three 68-pound guns installed on timber carriages on Flagstaff Hill between 1879 and 1880.
These three guns remain on the headland near the Flagstaff Hill Fort.
Between 1890 and 1891, defences were upgraded to include the Signal Hill (now Flagstaff Hill) Fort.
The fort’s submerged gun pit was fitted with a six-inch Armstrong Disappearing Gun and the fort also housed a fixed machine gun.
The disappearing gun was later removed and some elements of the fort including the depression range finding station and the observation post were later demolished, however, much of the fortification remains intact.
In 1892 the Smith’s Hill Fort, located within Battery Park above North Wollongong Beach, was constructed to supplement the Flagstaff Hill Fortifications and to provide broader protection from the northern side of the Harbour.
The Wollongong forts remain as largely intact examples of colonial-era military fortifications and form a key component of the Wollongong Harbour Precinct State Heritage Area.
Both sites are protected under the NSW Heritage Act 1977.
During 2020 the council received a proposal from Inside Industry and Destination Wollongong to establish a Blue Mile Heritage Tour of the area surrounding Wollongong Harbour and sought consideration to the potential inclusion of the Wollongong Fortifications as part of these tours.
At the same time, the Rotary Sunrise Group, the National Trust, members of the Wollongong Heritage Reference Group and other community members raised concerns in relation to the condition of the fortifications and the need for maintenance and conservation works.
Particular concern was raised in relation to the declining condition of the guns and other metal components at both sites.
The underground components of the forts have not been accessed for some time due to risk.
The report to council said the structural failure of the Smith’s Hill range finding station was likely exacerbated by the roots of Norfolk pines planted in the 1960s.
Council’s draft Conservation Management Plan aims to repair, conserve and maintain the heritage fabric of the fortifications including the guns and other metal components, as well as provide practical guidance in relation to the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the site including site drainage, electricals, painting and protective coatings
Councillor Kit Docker supported the motion that the draft plan go on public exhibition.
He said the sites were in desperate need of repair.
“Our history can be protected and celebrated in way that will enhance day-to-day life and the tourist economy,” he said.
“This plan should give the community confidence that restoration will not be piecemeal, although the scale of repairs is significant, there is a significant backlog and the council should not be made to take this on alone.”
The council voted unanimously in favour, and the draft plan will go on exhibition shortly. In the meantime, it can be viewed here.
