Millers Point and Dawes Point Village Precinct Sydney

Why is it Significant?

Millers Point & Dawes Point Village Precinct is of state significance for its ability to demonstrate, in its physical forms, historical layering, documentary and archaeological records and social composition, the development of colonial and post-colonial settlement in Sydney and New South Wales. The natural rocky terrain, despite much alteration, remains the dominant physical element in this significant urban cultural landscape in which land and water, nature and culture are intimately connected historically, socially, visually and functionally. The whole place remains a living cultural landscape greatly valued by both its local residents and the people of New South Wales.

Why is it at Risk?

Current plans by the NSW Government for the redevelopment of East Darling Harbour (now called ‘Barangaroo’) propose the removal of all existing heritage items at Barangaroo North and the creation of an urban park, which will have a major impact upon the village character of Millers Point.  This proposal coincides with actions by Housing NSW to sell off the government-owned former port-workers housing throughout Millers Point without consideration of the cumulative impact upon the State Heritage listed values of this unique urban area.

What needs to be done?

Millers Point and Dawes Point Village is a rare and historic part of Sydney, which retains many early buildings and still displays the traditional character of a workers township.  Most of the buildings of the area are in government ownership and recently redeveloped warehouses and the Walsh Bay wharves have been developed on 99 year leases.  Existing residential tenancies should be recognised and given some degree of security of tenure and Housing NSW’s maintenance obligations should be met to a standard commensurate with the State Heritage significance of the buildings.