| |
|
|
All Current and Past Media Releases
|
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 20 February 2005 SYDNEY THINKS THE ROCKS ROCKS Sydney’s oldest European settlement continues to be one of the most popular with a schedule of events and projects set to draw thousands more visitors to the precinct, said NSW Minister for Infrastructure, Planning & Natural Resources, Craig Knowles.
“Last financial year the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) registered over nine million ‘people movements’ through The Rocks – an increase of 3.5 per cent on the previous year. The Rocks Visitors Centre alone saw 700,000 people come through its doors.
“And it’s not just overseas visitors who come to The Rocks, Sydney-siders are appreciating the area more and more with repeat visitations doubling over two years from 12 to 24 visits a year.
“Sydney is growing by a thousand people a week and it is essential that we continue to preserve and restore historic and popular venues for future generations to enjoy.
“SHFA is responsible for the maintenance of 94 heritage listed properties in The Rocks. In addition to that work, $8.28 million of projects will be undertaken by SHFA this financial year to further improve the area.
“These projects include:
- A $2.4 million upgrade to the Museum of Contemporary Art which will extend the Gallery and improve public amenities - The $2.5 million restoration of the Dawes Point Sea Wall which will widen the public domain as well as fully restore the sandstone seawall and its historically significant balustrade - Ongoing renovations to The Rocks Square including seating, landscaping and lighting adding further to events like The Rocks Christmas Tree Lighting and Australia Day’s Country Rocks festival which drew more than 93,000 people this year - Further improvements to lighting around The Rocks including feature lighting which highlights the preserved facades of some of Sydney’s oldest buildings.
“The Rocks holds a special place in the history of our nation. It was where mariners from the First Fleet stepped ashore on 26 January 1788 and it has been at the centre of European history in Australia ever since.
“But turning The Rocks into a destination that has an event program which offers something for everyone as well as shopping, fine food and some of the best views of our Harbour on offer has not happened by accident.
“Through SHFA the Government is committed to strong and detailed plans to preserve and enhance not just The Rocks precinct, but sites on around 400 hectares of land across Sydney which, combined, contribute around $9 billion into the NSW economy.”
For more information on The Rocks go to www.therocks.com or call 1902 222 222.
© NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources
|