Remediation and conservation

Me-Mel Goat Island is of exceptional heritage significance and is deeply connected to Sydney's history. Early colonial records indicate in the 18th century, the island was associated with Bennelong; in the 19th century it was associated with Australia's convict and military history and in the 20th century the island was a key part of Sydney Harbour's maritime operations. These phases of history are reflected in the natural and built environment of the island.

Remediation and conservation program

The NSW Government has committed $42.9 million for remediation, conservation, and upgrade works at Me-Mel to support the island's transfer to Aboriginal ownership, governance and management. Learn more about the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) remediation and conservation program in this video with NPWS Director Greater Sydney Branch, Deon van Rensburg.

Progress of remediation

NPWS has completed the following repair and remediation works:

• removed dilapidated wharves, including the Ferry Wharf, part of the Northern Broadside Wharf and part of the Western Broadside Wharf
• repaired the Small Boat Pens
• removed the former Port Emergency Services amenities building
• replaced damaged slate tiles on the barracks, powder magazine and cooperage
• desalinated and re-limewashed the internal powder magazine walls
• installed smoke detectors in buildings across the island
• removed several non-significant coral trees which were destabilising early 19th century retaining walls
• repaired the 1940s boatshed
• removed redundant underground sewerage infrastructure and reinstated the original ground surface level between the barracks and the barracks kitchen
• repaired the bridge over The Cut
• completed maintenance and repair works to meet minimum standards of maintenance and repair to the 1838 Water Police Building, 1865 cottage and 1912 Fire Brigade Barracks.

Over the next 12 months, NPWS will:

• repair the Western Broadside Wharf and adjacent seawall and refurbish the access pontoon
• repair the northern wharf and adjacent seawall
• remove the tower crane jib and conserve the lower tower
• commence conservation works to the convict-built sentry wall and sentry box, barracks building and barracks kitchen
• commence maintenance and repair works to meet minimum standards of maintenance and repair to the 1902 Harbour Master’s Residence
• remediate contaminated soil in the South Depot precinct.

Western Broadside Wharf repair underway

The visitor access wharf is closed for repair. The adjacent 80-year-old concrete seawall is also being repaired. The 17-year-old pontoon has been relocated to a slipway for refurbishment. It is anticipated that these works will all be completed by the end of September, subject to weather and any latent conditions.

Proposal to remove the tower crane rotary jib

Due to its age and high level of corrosion, the 100-year-old Goat Island 4–10 ton fixed electric crane cannot be returned to service, even if repaired. The crane poses a high-risk safety hazard to people and other exceptionally significant heritage buildings on the island and contains hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos.

NPWS is planning to dismantle and remove the cantilever rotary jib and upper tower, treat and conserve the lower tower and retain significant elements of the jib, such as the hook and gantry trolley, for a display. The NSW Heritage Council has approved the proposal under section 60 of the Heritage Act, subject to conditions of approval.

This work will commence in the second half of 2026.

Conservation of historic buildings

In late 2025, NPWS completed essential conservation works on 3 significant buildings on Goat Island: the 1838 Water Police Building, the 1865 Artillery Sergeant’s Cottage and the 1912 Fire Brigade Barracks.

Water Police Building

Key work on the Water Police Building included:

• careful removal of layers of lead paint from the internal sandstone walls and cleaning of lead dust from all surfaces
• removal of asbestos fibro sheets and intrusive elements
• indent repairs to deteriorated sandstone and repointing of open and failed joints with lime/sand mortar
• reinstatement of original ground levels to improve drainage and protect the walls from water damage
• carpentry and joinery repairs including restoring window functionality
• analysis of historic paint layers to determine the most authentic colour scheme
• repainting of all internal and external joinery and re-limewashing internal walls.

An unexpected discovery

Me-Mel (Goat Island) always has surprises! Beneath the skirting board, we uncovered a painted skirting dating back to the 1890s. This historic feature has been retained and protected.

Artillery Sergeant's Cottage

Key work to the 1865 Artillery Sergeant’s Cottage included:

• removal of external lead paint layers and hard cement repairs from the sandstone walls
• sandstone indent repairs and repointing of open and failed joints with lime/sand mortar
• removal of damaging concrete slab and asphalt and reinstatement of original ground levels for proper drainage
• removal of asbestos fibro and carpentry and joinery repairs
• removal of a concrete slab which was damaging the adjacent wall
• replacement of corroded roof iron sheets and installation of new lead chimney caps.

A hidden feature

We hoped the original sandstone pavers would remain beneath the slab – and they did! Although the surface was extensively scabbled before the concrete was poured, the pavers’ thickness means the damage is of minor aesthetic impact only.

Fire Brigade Barracks

Key work to the 1912 Fire Brigade Barracks included:

• replacement of corroded lintels with 316 stainless steel and reconstruction of failing brickwork
• replacement of perished roof slates and gable louvres and repair of windows
• replacement of old distribution board and failed external lights
• removal of paintwork from external brickwork and repainting of external joinery.

These conservation works represent a significant investment in the conservation of the island’s built heritage.

Old ferry wharf

The old timber ferry wharf was unsafe and could not be used or economically repaired. Marine biologists inspected the ferry wharf piles and determined that no significant marine species would be affected by the removal of the wharf piles.

Port Emergency Services building

The former Port Emergency Services amenities building, of moderate heritage significance, was dilapidated, unsafe and unable to be used. The original construction utilised lightweight, economical materials which were in poor condition. Alterations made to the building in the 1990s were intrusive and non-durable, and the stairs and balustrades did not comply with current safety or engineering standards.

The building obscured visual appreciation of the north-eastern shoreline including 'The Cut' – a channel carved through the island by convicts to separate the Water Police Building from the main island.

The Heritage Council of NSW approved the removal of the building, and the process has been completed. Areas of contaminated soil around the building will now be remediated.

Boat shed repairs

Constructed in 1943, the Me-Mel boat shed has served various purposes over the decades, including its current role in housing the island's sewerage overflow tanks. The boat shed is located on the south-western edge of the island, subject to the harsh marine environment and increasing wave action and tides, which has caused damage to the brickwork and structural instability.

Between April and October 2024, NPWS removed the asbestos eaves, installed new brick and concrete piers, replaced the corroded roof iron, repaired joinery, repointed damaged masonry and replaced the doors.

Managing the island's heritage

All repair and remediation works are subject to assessments of impact and supported by the Goat Island conservation management plan. All works on the island not covered by standard or site-specific exemptions require approval under the Heritage Act 1977.