PRIME MINISTER 2, ANR~
FOR MEDIA THURSDAY 20 MARCH Q 0*
COMMONWEALTH AND STATE GOVERNMENT AGREE ON
DEVELOPMENT OF NAVAL BASE AT WOOLLOO> L00LO
The Commionwealth is to acquire the Maritime Services Board
w-. harves on the eastern side of Woolloomooloo Bay in Sydney
for the Navy.
The Commonwealth Government also has decided that a multi-storey
car park should be built in Cowper Wharf Road near Garden Island.
Both projects are part of a long-term plan to modernise the
Garden Island Naval Dockyard and Fleet Base at an estimated cost
of $ 180 million in 1978 prices..
The primary objectives of the modernisation plan are to improve
the operating efficiency and physical environment of Garden
Island.
Agreement has been reached with the New South Wales Government
to purchase Nos. 2, 3 and 4 wharves at Woolloomooloo. The.
purchase will help overcome a serious shortage of wharf space
at Garden Island. The wharves will be provided with the full
range of shore ser vices including power, compressed air and
sewerage, so that ships alongside would not need to run machinery,
thus avoiding pollution.
The Government approved in principle the first stage of the
modernisation of Garden Island last year. This included
construction of a utilities building, a weapons/ electronic
workshop, a refit berth support facility, and groundworks. The
total estimated cost is about $ 17 million. 4 / 8,9) 9 ri 4. 6-It-
2
The multi-level car park, to be located along the northern
cliff face of Cowper Wharf Road, was included in the first
stage of modernisation at the request of the Premier of NSW,
Mr. Wran.
The facility will provide accommodation for the cars owned by
Garden Island civilian and Service personnel, during working
hours, and a large part of it will be available for use by
local residents and visitors for night-time parking.
The roof of the car park will be surfaced with lawns and
garden and this will provide a much needed amenity for the
residents of the surrounding area.
In addition, arrangements will be developed to improve public
access to the northern headland and other historic areas of
Garden Island.
The car park proposal will be referred to the Parliamentary
Standing Committee on Public Works for hearing in conjunction
with the previously announced Garden Island stage one modernisation
works. This hearing is expected to occur in the latter half of
this year. 000---