AGHS Sydney - Walama - Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove - Walk

With continuing First Nations connections, its landform and waterway formed the setting for 19^th century colonial occupation. In the early-mid 20^th century the site was heavily modified to accommodate industry, part of its role in the working harbour.

Located in Birchgrove, for decades this headland was covered with grease and oil lubricant tanks and reservoirs, created for Caltex Australasia. Community activism, alarmed at plans for medium density housing here, led to the State government acquiring the land and commissioning a master plan and new public park. Design and consultation work took from 2003 – 05 and it opened in 2009. 

Find out about the main players in this inspiring story of advocacy. And intriguing historical elements woven into its 2.5 ha parkland by renowned Landscape Architects McGregor Coxall. 

While more ‘post-modern’, it took much from eminent landscape architect, Bruce Mackenzie’s influential approach used in the 1970s: respect for topography, local vegetation, sense of place, recycling and retaining traces of layers of the site’s history: here, more evident. Detailing is sharp and with time, planting is softening its lines and providing welcome ‘bush’ for visitors.

One of 10 nominations from the award-winning 2018 AILA Landscape Heritage study, the listing for Ballast Point Reserve was developed by Colleen Morris. It is currently recommended for listing on the State Heritage Register.

Colleen Morris is a landscape heritage consultant and known for her extensive expertise in evaluating cultural landscapes and implementing effective management strategies. Colleen played a pivotal role in developing the Colonial Plants database for the Historic Houses Trust of NSW and has crafted conservation plans for some of Australia's most historically significant gardens. Serving as the National Chair of the Australian Garden History Society from 2003 to 2009, Colleen has left an indelible mark on the field. Her notable publications, such as Lost Gardens of Sydney (2008) and major contributions to 'The Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens' (2002),  solidified her standing as a respected authority. With a presence in professional, academic, and international publications, Colleen's dedication to the preservation and comprehension of natural landscapes has garnered widespread recognition. Colleen recently completed a six-year term as a member of the Heritage Council of NSW. 

James Quoyle worked as an architect with a five year hiatus as a full time lecturer in design at UTS. In 2014 he completed a Masters of Heritage Conservation from the University of Sydney, which enabled him to focus on heritage conservation with a special interest in garden history and cultural landscapes. A past Chair of the Sydney Branch, James has been at Heritage NSW since 2016 as a Senior Heritage Assessment Officer.  James was the nominator for the Badangi SHR listing

Christine Hay is the principal of Circle Square Design, an award-winning consultancy specialising in landscape architecture and heritage assessment. A Registered Landscape Architect (2007) with a Masters in Heritage Conservation (2016), she has held roles in government and private practice, including as a Senior Heritage Officer at Heritage NSW (2017-2023) and Project Manager for the AILA study. Her work encompasses cultural landscape assessment, conservation management plans (CMPs), and stakeholder engagement. A former Chair of the Sydney Branch, Christine is a member of the AILA Advocacy Group, National Trust Cemeteries Conservation Committee, and Metropolitan Memorial Parks Heritage Advisory Committee.

AGHS Members $20, Non Members $30, Full Time Students $5

Clicking on the 'Get Directions' button below should display a map of the location.  Try 'Ballast Point Park Carpark' in Google Maps.  Parking is limited to about 12 places so arrive early.

For further details, contact David Low  0407 464 876  david@davidlow.com.au