Waverton Coal Loader to be listed on the State Heritage Register
The NSW Government has listed the Balls Head Coal Loader Complex in Waverton on the State Heritage Register today.
Special Minister of State and Minister responsible for Heritage Don Harwin said the
historic site known locally as the Waverton Coal Loader, is a unique example of one
of the first and longest operating coal loading facilities in Sydney Harbour.
“The Coal Loader not only gives us an insight into the industrial history of our harbour,
it is an outstanding example of adaptive re-use by North Sydney Council. With a café,
community garden, solar power, an art studio and more, the Coal Loader shows
adaptive re-use of heritage at its finest,” Mr Harwin said.
The listing includes the original coal loading platform, machinery and workshop
buildings while also containing a significant Indigenous rock engraving site. The local
Aboriginal community hold this site in high regard for its spiritual and social
significance to the lives of the traditional owners of this land.
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson MP said our working harbour has an important
history, with the Coal Loader complex at Waverton playing a pivotal role in the early
development of Australia’s shipping, trade and coal industries.
“The rich industrial history of the Coal Loader complex right here on Sydney Harbour
at Waverton has today been recognised and protected for the future through State
heritage listing,” Ms Wilson said.
“The Coal Loader has served our community and Australia for a hundred years in
various guises from industrial use through to today’s community uses including art,
history, and public space. Its innovative adaptation is renowned for its contribution to
sustainability and community engagement.”
The Balls Head Coal Loader Complex also remains the largest bushland remnant in
North Sydney and is part of both the North Sydney Circle Walk from Waverton to
Wollstonecraft, as well as the Harbour Circle Walk.