29/03/2005 - The Australian
Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, today praised the success
of the inaugural Cockatoo Island music and
cultural festival, held over the Easter long
weekend.
'An estimated 20,000 people attended the festival
over three days and have given the thumbs
up to what is likely to become a regular event
on Sydney's cultural scene,' Senator Campbell
said.
'The festival is a vindication of the Government's
decision to establish the Sydney Harbour Federation
Trust and a demonstration of how former industrial
sites can be converted into creative public
uses.
'The transformation of Cockatoo Island from
a derelict shipbuilding yard into a festival
venue is part of a long-term plan to revitalise
this historic site.'
Senator Campbell said the festival's program
of music and cultural activities had struck
a chord with the people of Sydney. Music,
cinema, exhibitions, comedy, performance and
camping combined to produce an eclectic program
that reflected Sydney's vibrant cultural life.
'The festival was also a significant test
of the island's capacity to host a large event,
not least transporting people to and from
the site. The industrial fabric of the island,
its buildings, aprons, roads and other spaces,
proved themselves uniquely suited to performance,
food outlets and places to relax and enjoy
the views of Sydney Harbour.
'The Trust will continue its program of rehabilitating
Cockatoo Island and working towards the goal
of ever greater public access. The festival
has established the island as part of Sydney
Harbour's public domain. This is fitting given
the island's place in the story of Sydney.'
Senator Campbell said the Trust's comprehensive
plan for its seven sites around Sydney Harbour
envisaged small-scale maritime activity on
Cockatoo Island and a range of complementary
activities centred on the island's history
and pivotal location in the harbour. The Government
approved the comprehensive plan in 2003 and
allocated $115.5 million in the 2003 Budget
to implement the plan.
