Commemoration Flat amenities replacement
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has engaged a construction contractor to replace the existing Commemoration Flat amenities building, replacing the deteriorating steel-framed existing building with a new building constructed from precast concrete panels. The new building will be constructed in the same location as the existing building and will provide an improved and more durable facility.
The old Commemoration Flat amenity block was closed and demolished in mid-March. From March until June 2024 the northern half of the Commemoration Flat car park will be occupied as a builder’s compound and will be closed to the public. Alternative toilets are available at the visitor centre and cricket pitch.
Heritage approval received
Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a place of exceptional heritage significance and is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. In accordance with the requirements of the Heritage Act 1977 NPWS lodged a section 60 application with Heritage NSW in September 2023, seeking approval of the proposed Kamay 2020 works.
Heritage NSW publicly advertised the proposal during November and December 2023 to allow members of the community to review and comment on the heritage impact of the proposed works.
In February 2024 NPWS presented the proposed works to the Heritage Council Approvals Committee. The Heritage Council approved the Section 60 application in February 2024.
Review of Environmental Factors determined
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is used to document the environmental impact assessment of proposed activities on lands managed by NPWS. It examines environmental impacts of the proposal, and measures to mitigate adverse impacts to the environment.
The REF for the upgrades and additions to visitor infrastructure planned as part of the Kamay 2020 project was determined in February 2024, approving the works to proceed.
You can view or download the Kamay REF here.
Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit
Kamay Botany Bay National Park is a highly significant Aboriginal landscape and a place that has been visited and used by Aboriginal community members for thousands of years. Concurrently with development of the detailed design of the project NPWS prepared an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report, to ensure the protection of the significant Aboriginal heritage within the Kamay 2020 works area.
In accordance with the requirements of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, NPWS lodged an application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit with Heritage NSW in December 2023, seeking approval of the Kamay 2020 works.
Heritage NSW issued the Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit in March 2024.
Appointment of NSW Public Works to manage construction delivery
In February 2024 NPWS appointed NSW Public Works (NSWPW) to procure and manage the construction contractor to build the new visitor centre and complete works within the cricket pitch precinct. These portions of the project will be undertaken directly after the completion of the new Commemoration Flat amenity building.
NSWPW is accredited under the NSW Government Agency Accreditation Scheme for Construction to manage the planning and delivery phases of construction and capital works procurement. NSWPW holds unlimited procurement accreditation for the planning and delivery of projects and holds triple accreditation for quality, safety and environmental management systems.
NSWPW have commenced planning works in preparation for tendering these portions of the project.
Construction schedule
Construction of the visitor centre and other visitor facilities is scheduled to commence in mid-2024, following completion of the new Commemoration Flat amenities building. Project works are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.
