Cape Don: maritime groups, residents question plan to relocate boat for Western Harbour Tunnel

Volunteers working to restore a piece of Sydney’s maritime history could have to clamber through 100-year-old coal tunnels to access the vessel as part of plans for a major motorway project.

Volunteers working to restore a piece of Sydney’s maritime history could have to clamber through 100-year-old coal tunnels to access the vessel as part of plans for a major motorway project.

Transport for NSW has commenced early talks with representatives from the MV Cape Don vessel to discuss the temporary relocation of the large boat from its current moorings alongside the Coal Loader in Waverton to make way for Western Harbour Tunnel construction works.

The Sea Heritage Foundation, which is overseeing the restoration of the Cape Don, said Transport for NSW has told the group it wants to build a new wharf south of the Coal Loader by 2023 to temporarily accommodate the Cape Don.

The Sea Heritage Foundation has raised concerns the relocation could impact safe access for staff and volunteers as well as tour groups visiting the vessel.

The current plan would have volunteers having to access the new temporary wharf via 180m of disused coal tunnels which were built under the Coal Loader platform in the early 1900s.

The relocation is expected to run until the end of tunnel construction works in 2027.

A photo of the Cape Don.

Sea Heritage Foundation secretary Paul Pokorny said the tunnels were not well lit and had variable floor surfaces, which could increase difficulty for pedestrian access and delivery of materials to the vessel.

Concerns by the group also include a significant increase in the number of stairs which would have to be climbed to access the tunnels, as well as challenges in maintaining power, water, and sewerage and a fire main to the ship.

A photo of the tunnels.

A photo of the Coal Loader platform.

Ian Gray – a member of the local Waverton Precinct Committee – has supported an alternative option backed by the Sea Heritage Foundation for a new temporary wharf north of the existing jetty which he said would provide better access to the Cape Don.

“The tunnels were built for tiny coal carts and they’re very uneven and you have to be careful when you’re walking,” he said.

“You also can’t get heavy gear through them so it seems to be a very bizarre option.

“It will make it hard for the volunteers and doesn’t seem to add up when an alternative could be to move the boat to a north side of the Coal Loader wharf.”

The Cape Don is currently moored in Waverton.

Transport for NSW said in a statement the department had been engaging with volunteers in order to ensure the continued legacy of the Cape Don.

“As a part of Western Harbour Tunnel project, Transport will safely relocate the Cape Don whilst construction works get underway,” a spokesman said.

A group of local volunteers have been restoring the Cape Don.

“Transport will construct a new walkway at the temporary site to provide access to the vessel, which includes a new access point and moorings.

“Transport will continue to work with all key stakeholders to ensure the design is safe and meets the needs of the community and on options for power for the site.”

The Cape Don was built at the Newcastle State Dockyards in 1963 to service navigational aids.

Mr Pokorny said he was hopeful ongoing talks with Transport for NSW would result in an outcome providing adequate access to the boat.

“There are difficulties and it’s not ideal for the volunteers and there are various access issues but we’re in discussions at the moment and hoping they can be resolved,” he said.