Update
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined in the announcement of a $50 million upgrade of the historic area at Kurnell.
The upgrade will be carried out for the 250th anniversary in 2020 of the Endeavour sailing into Botany Bay.
However, most improvements won’t be completed until after the major anniversary.
Earlier
A $50 million upgrade of the historic area at Kurnell will be carried out for the 250th anniversary in 2020 of the Endeavour sailing into Botany Bay.
The federal and state governments will equally share the cost of the works, which will include a new aquatic monument at the original mooring site.
The existing Cook monument, built in the 19th century, will be improved, a new visitors centre, cafe and exhibition space created and ferry wharves constructed at La Perouse and Kurnell.
The announcement was made made by federal Treasurer and Cook MP Scott Morrison, state Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton and Cronulla MP and state Attorney-general Mark Speakman.
Most improvements won’t be delivered until after the 2020 anniversary.
A joint statement said work on the new aquatic monument “will be completed in time for the 250th anniversary, with the other funded works to be completed during the next few years”.
Lieutenant James Cook sailed the HMS Endeavour into Botany Bay on April 29, 1770.
Both governments have been working on how best to commemorate the major milestone.
The announcement comes a day before the annual Meeting of Two Cultures ceremony at Kurnell on Sunday.
The statement said the works would be “informed by the Kamay Botany Bay National Park draft master plan, including further consultation on the plan as it is finalised by the NSW Government”.
In 2005, former Cook MP Bruce Baird was successful in having the Kurnell Precinct of the Kamay Botany Bay National Park registered on the National Heritage List.
In 2016, the state government formed a community reference panel, including appropriate Indigenous representation, and commissioned a draft master plan for the Kurnell Precinct of the park.
“As the 250th anniversary approaches it is time that this historical and nationally significant precinct receives the genuine attention it deserves,” the statement said.
“This is the place where our ancient Australian story began a new chapter that has led us to the free, peaceful and prosperous nation we are today.
“The park will play a major role in events to recognise the 250th anniversary of the Meeting of Two Cultures in 2020.
“This milestone provides the perfect opportunity to ensure we mark this important occasion and provide a legacy for future generations to reflect and hear the stories of this important place.”
The statement said the master plan would ill also be subject to rigorous environmental and heritage impact assessment approvals prior to any works commencing.
Mr Speakman said he was “thrilled that finally a major upgrade of Kamay Botany Bay National Park is happening”.
“I’ve been pushing for funding since my election in 2011 and spoke in my inaugural speech about the under-recognition of Kurnell,” he said.
“As Environment Minister I commissioned the engagement of stakeholders and the preparation of the draft master plan now being exhibited for public comment.
“This represents an outstanding opportunity to upgrade a site of major national significance to commemorate our indigenous culture and history, Cook’s own story, the meeting of two cultures and our shared future.”
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