A maritime precinct has been proposed for Dock 2 at Port Adelaide as part of the State Government’s plans to preserve and promote the district’s unique maritime heritage.
Dock 2 is identified in the Historic Ships and Boats Strategy as the preferred site to host land-based historic vessels such as the City of Adelaide clipper ship and the schooner Nelcebee.
The strategy is being released today to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the One & All — the iconic purpose-built sailing ship operated by volunteers.
The strategy sets out a plan for preserving and celebrating the unique maritime heritage of Port Adelaide and makes a series of recommendations, including that existing water-based vessels, such as the One & All and the Falie, should remain at their location at McLarens Wharf.
Work on a master plan will now begin in consultation with key stakeholders.
Download the Port Adelaide Historic Ships and Boats Strategy Report (PDF, 10MB).
Background
The Historic Ships and Boats Strategy records the current condition and status of each vessel and considers matters such as preferred locations, as well as maximising opportunities for tourism at Port Adelaide.
The strategy through extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including the vessel owners, operators and volunteers, the National Trust, the SA Maritime Museum, Government departments and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
Some members of these groups were also part of a project reference group, which assisted in evaluating and analysing material to inform the proposed strategy.
The South Australian Government owns the One and All, which was purpose-built by volunteers as a sail training ship.
It was supported by corporate donations and was commissioned in 1987, as part of the State’s 150-year anniversary celebrations.
Last year the State Government increased funding to secure the future of these important vessels in Port Adelaide, providing more than $3 million over five years.
Quotes attributable to
Housing and Urban Development Minister Stephen Mullighan
It’s a great pleasure to be releasing the Historic Ships and Boats Strategy on a day when we are celebrating a milestone for one of the Port’s most iconic ships, the One & All.
The strategy is a vital tool in safeguarding the rich maritime history of the Port Adelaide district.
It sets out a clear path forward for the preservation and management of these historic resources to ensure the public can continue to enjoy them and to further develop them as drawcards for Port Adelaide.
It will ensure that during this period of growth, the unique maritime history of our Port is not only preserved but also embraced and celebrated.
Member for Port Adelaide Susan Close
A coordinated approach will maximise the opportunities and benefits of these unique tourism offerings for the vessel operators and the Port Adelaide centre as a whole.
The Port is a unique part of South Australia and this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of this important historical precinct.
The State Government has actively engaged with key stakeholders of these historically important vessels and developed a proposed strategy.
Friends of the One & All Sailing Ship Spokesperson Alan Burgess
It is wonderful to be celebrating this milestone for the One & All with a berth in the port and a role in the new heritage precinct that will bring people to participate in attractive and worthwhile experiences in this historic area.
The One & All provides unique sailing and adventure learning experiences that can help the development of life skills for all young people and has particular benefits for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The One & All is a living example of our State’s rich maritime history.
City of Adelaide Clipper Ship Director Peter Christopher
The development of a proposed maritime precinct within Port Adelaide’s inner harbour will provide a significant tourism drawcard.
The 1864 clipper ship City of Adelaide, together with other historic vessels, coming together in a central and accessible location, can tell an important story to young and old, as part of living history.
The City of Adelaide has international significance, being one of only two remaining composite clipper ships in the world today, the other being the famous, but younger, Cutty Sark in London.