Five years after the closure of the Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre, work is finally starting on opening the top half of the site to the public.
This follows the state government’s announcement in August last year of a grant of $545,000 for stage one works.
Funding for future stages has not yet been secured.
The Hungry Point Point Reserve Trust announced on Friday work was starting with the demolition of the 1970s caretaker’s cottage and shed.
The trust, which has a new chairman in former Sutherland Shire Council general manager and Georges River Council administrator John Rayner, said in a statement the removal of the buildings would improve vistas to Gunnamatta Bay and Port Hacking.
Other works would include linking the site to Darook Park, installing park furniture, signage and pedestrian access and relocating existing fencing to the south to define the open space and the operations part of the site.
The trust said remnant vegetation, including a magnificent fig behind the cottage, would be retained.
No mention was made of a new toilet block, which was included in previous government announcements.
Cronulla MP and Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the state government grant enabled the trust to open Hungry Point to the community for the first time in more than a century.
“Locals and visitors will enjoy new parklands and spectacular views,” he said.
Mr Speakman said the site’s significant Aboriginal and European history and culture must be recognised and retained.
John Rayner said, “Hungry Point is a complex and sensitive site and works required approvals under the Heritage Act”.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce said construction of the park would be a welcome addition to the open space network along this popular recreational precinct.
“It will be a fantastic place for our community to come and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings we are so lucky to have here in Sutherland Shire,” he said.
“The contract for the demolition works will be supervised by Sutherland Shire Council.”
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