The Hunters Hill Trust

The 10-day Hearing in the Land & Environment Court commenced on Thursday 4 September with many residents turning out for the early morning LEC onsite visit at the Horse Paddock in front of Judge Beasley.
 

 
This was the opportunity for the public to air their views.  The speakers were impressive and their presentations compelling with detailed data and arguments being presented – each one unique and evidence based.  Speakers included the President of the Sydney Region of the National Parks Association, representatives from Sailing, Kayaking and Rowing Clubs and a Contamination Expert.
 
In addition a community member who had run a Charter Boat company and had a detailed understanding of the issues, gave a very compelling presentation as to how this will affect the community.
 
Another very graphic presentation was made by a resident who showed the Judge many images of vessels on fire at Marinas which dramatically highlighted the alarming risk of parked boats adjacent to Kelly’s Bush.
 

 
Council’s solicitors were delighted with the high level of community support and the well-thought out information presented by speakers.
 
The 10-day Hearing then moved into Court and the nine ‘Objector Parties’ supporting Council, including the Trust, were represented by our inspiring and hardworking lawyer who has been guiding us through this process since the beginning.  The Objector Parties’ Contentions were broadly grouped into 3 categories:

1.     Unacceptable adverse impact on visual qualities, landscape character and heritage
2.     Unacceptable adverse impact on use of the Inner Harbour by recreational sailors; and
3.     Unacceptable adverse impact on public use and enjoyment of the foreshores and waterways.

Detailed arguments from the Applicant’s and Council’s barristers, lawyers and experts were presented with our lawyer’s powerful submission being made on the last day.   Representatives from the Trust, the SOS team, the Sailing Clubs and the community were in court every day to observe the proceedings and reinforce the strength of our concern.
 
There has been considerable public interest in this case – a link to a recent ABC report is here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-13/hunters-hill-council-battle-sydney-marina-expansion-kellys-bush/105752296  and below an article from the Daily Telegraph.
 
The Hearing has now completed and the judgement is awaited but may not be handed down for some months. However we remain optimistic that we will be successful in challenging this huge extension to a private Marina that will effectively occupy 26,100sqm of public waterways which are currently – and always should be – for the benefit and enjoyment of all.