Greenwich, Wollstonecraft waterfronts placed on state heritage list

1 December 2023

A collective area of 48 hectares on the northern bank of Sydney Harbour, Badangi, has been listed on the State Heritage Register. The site 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.

According to the state government, the heritage listing covers 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, as well as some nearby waterways.

“This listing recognises the area’s deep links to the Gammaraygal people and the 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, the site’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” the government said in a statement.

“Listing Badangi on the State Heritage Register is an important step in preserving the history and culture of NSW. Not only does it protect the significance of the place and its associated stories, but it provides a platform for local communities to share and celebrate this cultural heritage into the future,” said Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe.

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).”