Electorate Media Releases

Historical MV Cape Don

16th July 2008

Historical lightship, the MV Cape Don has been given just one month to vacate its mooring at the Old Coal Loader, Balls Head, Waverton.

The current site at Balls Head provides wharf access, shore power and fresh water which may not be available at an alternative site. Without these, restoration will be near impossible.

Also of concern is the potential loss of volunteers and the ability for police, customs and naval officers to use the ship as a training vessel.

The MV Cape Don Society plans to restore the ship to working order. It is hoped she will be used as a museum and training facility as well as a hospital and aid vessel in the Australia Pacific region.

Member for North Sydney, Joe Hockey MP, said today ‘the MV Cape Don Society has a team of dedicated volunteers who have been working incredibly hard to restore this piece of Australian maritime history.

‘Their plan for the ship to be used not only as a museum but also an aid ship is admirable and should be supported.

‘I have contacted the NSW Minister for Ports and Waterways, the Hon Joe Tripodi MP, and asked him to reconsider this decision.’

Further information: Fiona Glaskin 0447 943 543