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| Rally against inappropriate development at Middle Head |
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| A Glimpse of the Future - Cremorne 10 years hence. 1893 Mitchell Library - State Library of NSW |
Cremorne Point was one of the first, to be saved from industrialisation and development in the 1890’s, followed by other foreshore areas.
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| Looking for coal with the diamond drill bore 1891 Mitchell Library - State Library of NSW |
"We are fortunate in having many acres of natural bushland, much of which would have been cut up for housing projects years ago had it not been for the military reserves. These areas are no longer essential to our defence and, if we keep complaining long and loudly enough, they will no doubt be eventually returned to us in the form of a national park." Tales of Old Mosman- Don McLaren
The area's beautiful location and geology resulted
in the peninsula being pursued for land development and mineral exploration.
‘The story of Cremorne Point, following European
settlement, is a tale of land grabbing, developers' greed and a winning
campaign to preserve the foreshore of the peninsula.”
Margaret Park The Heart of Cremorne Point.
“A very valuable discovery
of coal was made last year at Cremorne, Sydney Harbour, by means of Government
diamond drill at a depth of 2,929 feet.
At that depth a seam of
good steam coal was struck 10 ft 3 ins in thickness. The opening of a collier,
on the shores of Port Jackson will prove an additional attraction to large
ocean going steamers.
A public outcry protesting against the
industrialisation of Cremorne Point and a celebrated law suit, ensured
that the 100 feet of reservation around the point was preserved from developers,
and mineral exploration.” The English Mechanic and World of Science 1894
While the Mines Department supported the scheme, the Lands Department refused permission to erect the necessary coal wharves, forcing Sydney Harbour Collieries Ltd to find an alternative site at Balmain.
Extract from 'Mosman Meanders & foreshore flavours'
