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Coordinates: 33°57′30″S 151°15′47″E / 33.9584°S 151.2630°E / -33.9584; 151.2630
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*1980s{{spaced endash}}the name Malabar Headland began to be used after early natural vegetation surveys began
*1980s{{spaced endash}}the name Malabar Headland began to be used after early natural vegetation surveys began
*1990s{{spaced endash}}legal action undertaken by NSW Rifle Association to prevent disposal of the site.
*1990s{{spaced endash}}legal action undertaken by NSW Rifle Association to prevent disposal of the site.






*1855{{spaced endash}}Recreational shooting begins on the Malabar headland.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1855{{spaced endash}}The new village of Long Bay is notified in the Government Gazette.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1859{{spaced endash}}The Randwick Municipal Council area is created which includes the Malabar suburb and headland.
*1860{{spaced endash}}A meeting is held on 5 October 1860 which results in an agreement to form the National Rifle Association of New South Wales (later renamed to the current New South Wales Rifle Association). The first president is appointed on 15 October 1860. Annual Prize Meetings are held on a rifle range at the Randwick Race Course from 1861 to 1866 and thereafter the Paddington Rifle Range.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name="Ref 19">{{cite book|last=Cromack|first=C Howard|title=19. 96 Years of Progress. The History of the National Rifle Association of NSW 1860 to 1956|publisher=Utility Press|location=Padstow NSW}}</ref><ref name="The Australian Bicentenary Fullbore Rifle Championships 9th to 24th April 1988" />
*1866{{spaced endash}}Land is offered for sale and lease on Malabar headland. Maps show planned subdivisions and roadways to service the new farming allotments.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1870s - 1880s{{spaced endash}}Long Bay Road (now known as ANZAC Road) is gazetted as a military road by the Government, grants were provided to construct and maintain it. Large amounts were spent on the road and it was possible to travel from Sydney to Botany. When the special subsidy was discontinued the road fell into disrepair and was covered by creeping sand dunes in the Matraville and Maroubra areas.
*1876{{spaced endash}}Australia compete in the first "Palma Match" (originally called "The Great Centennial International Long Range Match") held at Creedmore USA.<ref name="The Australian Bicentenary Fullbore Rifle Championships 9th to 24th April 1988">{{cite book|title=The Australian Bicentenary Fullbore Rifle Championships 9th to 24th April 1988|publisher=Benalla Printing 140 Bridge St, Benalla, VIC 2672|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/20857965?versionId=24765869}}</ref>
*1879{{spaced endash}}The first official Inter-Colonial "Queen’s Prize" meeting held by the NSW Rifle Association. Each state continues to host an annual Queen’s Prize rifle shooting competition to this day.<ref name="Ref 19" />
*1882{{spaced endash}}St Albans ship wreck at Malabar.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1883{{spaced endash}}Sydney High School Rifle Club formed.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1886{{spaced endash}}An order is issued to close the Paddington Rifle Range due to the danger to workmen constructing present day Centennial Park but shooting is allowed to continue on Saturday afternoons until May 1890.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name="Ref 19" />
*1888{{spaced endash}}The National Rifle Association of Australia (NRAA) is formed.<ref name="The Australian Bicentenary Fullbore Rifle Championships 9th to 24th April 1988" />
*1888{{spaced endash}}Twelve targets are reported to be in operation on the Malabar headland.<ref name="Randwick Council - ANZAC Rifle Range">{{cite web|title=Randwick Council - ANZAC Rifle Range|url=http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/About_Randwick/Heritage/A_to_Z_of_people_and_places/Anzac_Rifle_Range/indexdl_1984.aspx}}</ref>
*1888 The Australian Centennial Prize Meeting{{spaced endash}}is held at the Paddington Rifle Range with competitors from the British Empire.<ref name="Ref 19" />
*1890{{spaced endash}}The caretakers cottage was built around 1890 on the Malabar headland.<ref name="Malabar Riding School">{{cite web|title=Malabar Riding School}}</ref>
*1891{{spaced endash}}The Randwick Rifle Range is established near Maroubra Junction.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1898{{spaced endash}}Hereward ship wreck at Malabar.
*1899{{spaced endash}}Tokapo ship wreck at Malabar.
*1900{{spaced endash}}A tramline towards La Perouse began operation in September 1900. A month later the line was extended across paddocks to the rifle range.
*1902{{spaced endash}}The NSW Government reserves the eastern half of the Malabar headland for public recreation.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1903{{spaced endash}}Seven trustees from Brand are appointed to manage the rifle range on the Malabar headland.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1905{{spaced endash}}The NSW Government reserves the remainder of the Malabar headland from sale or lease.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1907{{spaced endash}}The first official "Empire Match" is held, this is the premier international rifle shooting competition contested by Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Canada, India, South Africa, West Indies, Rhodesia, Jamaica, Channel islands, Kenya, Guernsey and Bermuda.<ref name="The Australian Bicentenary Fullbore Rifle Championships 9th to 24th April 1988" />
*1910{{spaced endash}}Sydney High School Cadet Corps use the Malabar range for training.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1910{{spaced endash}}The NSW Government dedicates the Malabar headland for Military Purposes, officially acknowledging the existence of the rifle range.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1914-1918 World War I{{spaced endash}}The Randwick and Malabar rifle ranges are used to train Australian Infantry Forces for the First World War.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1914{{spaced endash}}The National Rifle Association of NSW provide 15 instructors to the military for duty at the Malabar rifle range.<ref name="Ref 19" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1916{{spaced endash}}A sewerage outlet is established on the south side of the headland.<ref name=nswshr-1741/>
*1916{{spaced endash}}The National Rifle Association records show that as of 31 December 6486 members of the NSW rifle clubs have enlisted for active service.<ref name="Ref 19" />
*1917{{spaced endash}}The National Rifle Association send an additional 150 men to "the front" as reinforcements.<ref name="Ref 19" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1917{{spaced endash}}A new rifle range is constructed at Liverpool (unofficially known as the ANZAC Rifle Range until 1922) with 110 targets.<ref name="Ref 19" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1919{{spaced endash}}The rifle range on the Malabar headland is named the Long Bay Rifle Range.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1920s{{spaced endash}}Model aircraft are first recorded to be flown on the Malabar headland.<ref name="Sydney Model Aero Club">{{cite web|title=Sydney Model Aero Club|url=http://www.smacinc.info/}}</ref>
*1920{{spaced endash}}Scots College rifle range reinstated after being pulled down in 1918 and .303 rifles received from Area Officer<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club">{{cite web|title=Scots College Rifle Club|url=http://www.scotscollegerifleshooting.com/}}</ref>
*1922{{spaced endash}}A formal "Dedication Ceremony" is held at the Liverpool rifle range naming it the "ANZAC Rifle Range" in memory of the 599 Fallen Riflemen of the 1914-1918 World War who were members of NSW rifle clubs.<ref name="Ref 19" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1922{{spaced endash}}Scots College Rifle Club formed as part of Cadets. ‘It is our intention soon, to pick a school team, with the idea of competing with some of the other schools’ The Scotsman June 1922<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1923{{spaced endash}}The Long Bay Rifle Range is used by the NSW Citizens Forces Rifle Association (now known as Military Rifle Clubs Association), the Sydney High School Rifle Club and the National Rifle Association of NSW.<ref name="Military Rifle Clubs Association" />
*1923{{spaced endash}}Scots College rifle range unavailable due to extension of playing fields, but a new site will be selected so Rifle Club can continue<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1923{{spaced endash}}The closure of the Randwick Rifle Range and transfer of the rifle clubs to the ANZAC Rifle Range Liverpool.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1925{{spaced endash}}The Army give notice that the rifle clubs using Long Bay Rifle Range are to be transferred to the ANZAC Rifle Range Liverpool.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1925{{spaced endash}}More rifles are issued to Scot College Rifle Club by the Department and due to the efforts of Captain E.A. Walker. Scots enters the GPS Shooting competition<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1926{{spaced endash}}Scots College use Long Bay Rifle Range used for practice. ‘B’ Grade Rifle team are GPS Premiers. R. Murchison becomes the first student to receive colours for Rifle Shooting. First time the Scots College Rifle Club is mentioned in the front of ‘The Scotsman’ with the other sports<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1929{{spaced endash}}The control of the Malabar headland and Long Bay Rifle Range is transferred to the Commonwealth Government.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1929{{spaced endash}}Scots College start the Inter-House and Old Boys shooting competitions<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1930s{{spaced endash}}Local residents use the Malabar headland as a venue for two-up and other gambling activities.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1931{{spaced endash}}The {{MV|Malabar|1925|2}} is shipwrecked near [[Boora Point]] on 2 April 1931.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1931{{spaced endash}}Sydney Boys High School win the Anderson Cup and the Buchanan GPS Shield. The team is placed 3rd in the GPS Premiership. Competing against Militia Officers 10 to 20 years his senior, Club Secretary Jim Sweet won the Champion of Champions event. Club Captain C. Ebsworth won the ANZAC Match.
*1933{{spaced endash}}The village of Brand is renamed Malabar on 29 September to distinguish the local village from Long Bay Gaol.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=nswshr-1741/>
*1933{{spaced endash}}Sydney Boys High School Club Captain Arthur Roden Cutler (who later became Governor of New South Wales) wins the Club Championship.
*1934{{spaced endash}}Sydney Boys High School Club Secretary J. E. Ryan won the Club Championship and Club Captain Roden Cutler won the GPS Cup.
*1938 Australia's 150th Anniversary Celebrations{{spaced endash}}The "Empire Match" is held at the Liverpool Range from 5 to 12 February 1938
attended by 1,300 competitors including teams from Great Britain, New Zealand and South Africa. 337,150 rounds fired.<ref name="The Australian Bicentenary Fullbore Rifle Championships 9th to 24th April 1988" />
*1938{{spaced endash}}Scots College Senior Shooting team equal 1st NRA Shield, 1st Rawson Cup and 2nd Buchanan Shield and the Great Public Schools (GPS)Premiers for the first time (equal with Shore)<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1939, 27 November{{spaced endash}}The Hotchkiss guns were used for the first time at Long Bay rifle range and the result of the shoot was very satisfactory.<ref name='The "A" Squadron Diary of the 6 Division Cavalry Regiment'>{{cite web|title=The "A" Squadron Diary of the 6 Division Cavalry Regiment|url=http://www.26cavcommando.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2744&Itemid=74}}</ref>
*1939-1945 [[World War II]]{{spaced endash}}Military installations (circa 43 in number) are built on the Malabar headland, notably the Boora Point Battery in 1941. The Long Bay Rifle Range is used for training of the Armed Forces.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=nswshr-1741/>
*1939{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup, NRA Shield Great Public Schools (GPS) Premiers with Shore for the second time 1940. Rifle shooting had to be abandoned owing to lack of ammunition, Mr. Travers replaces Major Walker as MIC of shooting when the GPS competition is abandoned, Scots changed from Club shooting to military shooting<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1941{{spaced endash}}Trials of the 9mm Owen Gun are conducted September to October 1941 at the Long Bay Rifle Range, Malabar. The Owen Gun is found to be more reliable than the American Thompson and the British Sten guns. The Owen Gun is issued to Australian Armed Forces towards the end of 1942 and continued in service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.<ref name="War Memorial - Owen Gun">{{cite web|title=War Memorial - Owen Gun|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL42096/}}</ref>
*1942-1946{{spaced endash}}Many thousands from the Australian rifle clubs enlist in the Australian Military Services. The figure is believed to be between 33000 and 38000.<ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1942{{spaced endash}}The British lose 303 rifles at Dunkirk. The Australian Rifle Clubs and Cadet Corps supply their 303 rifles for use by the British Troops.
*1942{{spaced endash}}Sydney Boys High School former Club Captain A. R. Cutler is awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry during the Syrian campaign and for bravery during bitter fighting at Merdjayoun.
*1946{{spaced endash}}Great Public Schools (GPS)Rifle Shooting contest held at Long Bay Rifle range for the first time since 1939<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1947{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup and are placed third overall in Great Public Schools (GPS) competition<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1951{{spaced endash}}The Cumberland County Plan zones the Malabar headland as 'special uses'.
*1954{{spaced endash}}The Memorial Gates at the entrance to ANZAC Rifle Range Liverpool are constructed and dedicated on 10 October as a "Memorial to Fallen Riflemen" of the two World Wars and the Korea Campaign.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name="Ref 19" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1960{{spaced endash}}The Boora Point Battery is decommissioned.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1960{{spaced endash}}142.5 hectares of the Randwick Rifle Range are sold to Randwick Council.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1962{{spaced endash}}The Army give notice that the ANZAC Rifle Range at Liverpool would close December 1967. Planning commenced to transfer the rifle clubs to Long Bay Rifle Range at Malabar.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1964{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Buchanan Shield and third overall in the Great Public Schools (GPS) competition<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1967{{spaced endash}}Closure of the ANZAC Rifle Range, Liverpool after 47 years. The rifle clubs transfer to the Long Bay Rifle Range.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=nswshr-1741/><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1968{{spaced endash}}Scots College are unable to field two teams of 8, so Scots do not enter the Great Public Schools (GPS) competition this year. Awarded Anderson Cup in Military Rifle Clubs Union Competition as top Schoolboy team<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1968-1988{{spaced endash}}The Malabar headland and rifle range site is used for extensive landfill operations.<ref name=nswshr-1741/>
*1968{{spaced endash}}Shooting championships at the Long Bay Rifle Range attract 353 entries.<ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1969{{spaced endash}}Scots College team 2nd overall in the Military Rifle Clubs Union competition winning the Anderson Cup, Lone Pine and Col. McVickers Cup. After a 10-year break the Inter-House Shooting contest was again held<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1970{{spaced endash}}The Long Bay Rifle Range Malabar is renamed, quote "It has been decided, that the name "ANZAC" should be perpetuated and that its close association with rifle club shooting should be preserved, and it is proposed that, with effect from 25 April 1970, the Long Bay Rifle Range at Malabar be renamed ANZAC Rifle Range. M.F.Brogan, C.B., C.B.E. Major-General, General Officer Commanding, Eastern Command."<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=nswshr-1741/><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf /><ref name="The Australian Bicentenary Fullbore Rifle Championships 9th to 24th April 1988" />
*1971{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup and win Seconds Team Shield<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1972{{spaced endash}}A lease agreement between the Australian Army and the NSW Rifle Association describe the terms of use and termination conditions for the ANZAC Rifle Range at Malabar.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1973{{spaced endash}}Scots College win NRA Shield for the first time since 1939<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1975{{spaced endash}}The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) first use the ANZAC Rifle Range Malabar after reaching an agreement with the Army.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1978{{spaced endash}}The Memorial Gates commemorating those who served during the World Wars and the Korea Campaign are moved from Liverpool to the Malabar range.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1979{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1980{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Buchanan Shield and the Great Public Schools (GPS) Premiership<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1981{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup, Buchanan Shield and Great Public Schools (GPS) Premiership<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1982{{spaced endash}}Scots College win NRA Shield and come 2nd overall in the Great Public Schools (GPS) competition<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1982{{spaced endash}}The Sydney Model Aero Club share use of the Malabar headland.<ref name="Sydney Model Aero Club"/>
*1983{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup, NRA Shield, Buchanan Shield and both 1st and 2nds in the Great Public Schools (GPS) Premiership for the first time<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1984{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1986{{spaced endash}}The Commonwealth Government announced its intention to sell the Malabar headland after the Bicentenary Shooting Championships. Official military use ceases.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=nswshr-1741/><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1986{{spaced endash}}The Energy Authority of New South Wales erects an experimental wind driven generator on the Malabar headland.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1987{{spaced endash}}Eighty hectares of the Malabar headland is placed in the register of the National Estate. The area is said to contain rare mallee scrub (Eucalyptus Obstans, formerly Obtusiflora).<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1988 Australia’s Bicentenary (1788-1988){{spaced endash}}More than 900 competitors from the Commonwealth of Nations and the USA Palma Match team take part in the Bicentennial Shooting Championships held at ANZAC Rifle Range Malabar.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1988{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Buchanan Shield and are runners up in the Great Public Schools (GPS) competition<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1988{{spaced endash}}Military training ceases on the Malabar headland on 8 May after 78 years. On this date the flag was lowered to the Last Post alongside the setting sun.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1988{{spaced endash}}The Government receive a number of tenders for the Malabar headland including a proposal from Club Med to build a three hundred room resort complex linked to an eighteen-hole golf course.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1989{{spaced endash}}Scots College win Rawson Cup<ref name="Scots College Rifle Club" />
*1990{{spaced endash}}A legal judgement declares that the Commonwealth had not validly terminated the NSW Rifle Association lease agreement. Another Notice of Termination was subsequently served and a new eviction date set for 25 August 1993.<ref name="Ref 1" /><ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1992{{spaced endash}}Commonwealth Games trials are held at the ANZAC Rifle Range Malabar.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1992{{spaced endash}}Sydney Water Board considers purchasing the range site to increase the size of the Malabar Sewage Treatment Plant.<ref name="Ref 1" />
*1993{{spaced endash}}The Malabar Riding School is formed on the rifle range.<ref name="Southern Courier - Malabar Riding School">{{cite web|title=Southern Courier - Malabar Riding School|url=http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/an-end-of-an-era-for-malabar-riding-school/}}</ref>
*1994{{spaced endash}}The 150th Anniversary of the Sydney Rifle Club. A judgement handed down on 22 July by NSW Supreme Court confirmed the Commonwealth’s right to close Anzac Rifle Range.<ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*1998{{spaced endash}}The Commonwealth Government issued a joint media release on 21 September by the Minister for Finance and Administration and the Minister for Sport and Tourism. "the sporting shooters of NSW will be able to establish new headquarters at Holsworthy, under a grant of $9 million from the Commonwealth Government."<ref name="NSW Case Law - Judgment 20/07/2012">{{cite web|title=NSW Case Law - Judgment 20/07/2012|url=http://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/action/pjudg?jgmtid=159740}}</ref>
*2000{{spaced endash}}The Friends of Malabar Headland (FoMH) conservation organisation is formed "to protect the natural and cultural heritage of Malabar headland".<ref name="Friends of Malabar Headland">{{cite web|title=Friends of Malabar Headland|url=http://malabarheadland.org.au/about-friends-of-malabar-headland/}}</ref>
*2005{{spaced endash}}The Defence Department disallow re-location of the ANZAC Rifle Range to Holsworthy due to the military installations and civilian occupancy restrictions.<ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*2007{{spaced endash}}The Australian Government agree to a long term lease for the NSW Rifle Association to remain at Anzac Rifle Range Malabar. Later the same year this decision was overturned by the Labor government following a general election.<ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*2007{{spaced endash}}The Australian Government announced that it would transfer responsibility for the whole of the Malabar headland (177 hectares) to the NSW Government.<ref name="Peter Garrett - Malabar Headland" />
*2008{{spaced endash}}Sydney Boys High School Rifle Club 125th Anniversary.
*2009{{spaced endash}}Sydney Boys High School are Co-Premiers in the GPS competition, along with the Kings School
*2010{{spaced endash}}The 150th Anniversary of the NSW Rifle Association 1860 to 2010.<ref name=History_NSWRA.pdf />
*2010{{spaced endash}}The Australian Government announce its intention to transfer sections of the headland (70 hectares excluding the central rifle range section) to the state of NSW for use as a National Park after remediation work to make it safe for public use.<ref name="Peter Garrett - Malabar Headland" />
*2011{{spaced endash}}The Deed of Transfer for Lot 102 (the western section) from the Commonwealth Government to the State of NSW is signed 27 February 2011.<ref name="Dept of Finance - Malabar Headland" />
*2011{{spaced endash}}A Process Agreement is signed for Lot 202 (the eastern section) to describe the process and future transfer of this section from the Commonwealth Government to the State of NSW is signed 27 February 2011.<ref name="Dept of Finance - Malabar Headland" />
*2011{{spaced endash}}The Commonwealth Government issues termination notices in April 2011 to the Drummoyne RSL Pistol Club, the Malabar Riding School, the Sporting Shooters of Australia and the Sydney Model Aero Club instructing them to vacate the headland by 31 October 2011. The lease agreements for the remaining users, the NSW Rifle Association and the NSW Smallbore and Air Rifle Association contain a relocation clause allowing continued use of the headland until a suitable alternative range site is provided by the Government.<ref name="NSW Rifle Association" />
*2011{{spaced endash}}The Commonwealth Government issues termination notices on 21 October to the NSW Rifle Association and the NSW Smallbore and Air Rifle Association instructing them to vacate the headland by 31 January 2012. The NSW Rifle Association start legal proceedings to challenge the validity of the termination notice. The leases for the other users of the headland are terminated in November 2011.<ref name="NSW Rifle Association" />
*2012{{spaced endash}}Sydney Boys High School are Co-Premiers in the GPS competition, along with The Armidale School
*2012{{spaced endash}}The western section of the headland is transferred from the Commonwealth to the NSW Government on 2 March 2012. This 17.7 hectare area included the Smallbore Rifle Range and NSW Rifle Association buildings that were demolished in October 2012. The area contains remnants of the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, eucalypt woodlands and coastal heath land that now form part of a National Park.<ref name="Peter Garrett - Malabar Headland" />
*2012{{spaced endash}}The Malabar Headland Protection Bill 2012 is introduced 2 May "to protect the environmental values and Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Malabar headland".<ref name="Malabar Headland Protection Bill 2012">{{cite web|title=Malabar Headland Protection Bill 2012|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4799}}</ref>
*2012{{spaced endash}}The NSW Supreme Court judgement 20 July directs the Commonwealth Government to arrange an alternative range location before terminating the NSW Rifle Association lease. The eastern section of the headland (Lot 202) forms part of the rifle range safety area and its proposed transfer cannot proceed until the ANZAC Rifle Range is relocated.<ref name="NSW Case Law - Judgment 20/07/2012" />
*2012{{spaced endash}}The Commonwealth Government demolish over $5 million worth of community infrastructure including the Malabar Riding School structures, Army Barrack Huts, Caretakers Cottage, Smallbore Rifle Range and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Bench Rest Rifle Range in October 2012.<ref name="NSW Rifle Association" />


===Indigenous history===
===Indigenous history===

Revision as of 09:48, 13 September 2018

Malabar Headland
The full bore rifle range located on the headland, in April 2004.
StandortFranklin Street, Malabar, City of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates33°57′30″S 151°15′47″E / 33.9584°S 151.2630°E / -33.9584; 151.2630
OwnerCity of Randwick
Official nameMalabar Headland; Long Bay Rifle Range; Anzac Rifle Range; Boora Point
TypState heritage (landscape)
Designated22 July 2005
Reference no.1741
TypHistoric Landscape
KategorieLandscape - Cultural
Malabar Headland is located in Sydney
Malabar Headland
Location of Malabar Headland in Sydney

The Malabar Headland is a heritage-listed former public recreation area and military installation site and now nature conservation and public recreation headland area located at Franklin Street, Malabar in the City of Randwick local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Long Bay Rifle Range, Anzac Rifle Range and Boora Point. The property is owned by Randwick City Council. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 July 2005.[1]

Übersicht

The MV Malabar grounded off Long Bay headland on 2 April 1931 in poor visibility. Visiting the wreck was a popular outing for Sydneysiders.

Malabar is a suburb of Sydney, located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of the Sydney central business district. The suburb is named after a passenger cargo steamer called the MV Malabar shipwrecked at Long Bay on 2 April 1931. The ship was named after the Malabar region of the Indian state of Kerala famous for its history as a spice trade centre.[2][3] Prior to the shipwreck, the suburb was known as either Brand or Long Bay. The local residents petitioned the government to change the name to avoid the association with the Long Bay Correctional Centre; the new name Malabar was gazetted by the government on 29 September 1933.

There have been several shipwrecks on the Malabar headland - the St Albans in 1882, the Hereward in 1898, the SS Tekapo in 1899, the MV Malabar in 1931, the Belbowrie in 1939, Try One in 1947, the SS Goolgwai in 1955 and a barge in 1955.[2][3][4][1][5]

The Malabar headland includes dramatic sandstone cliffs and provides spectacular coastal views. The western and eastern sections of the headland contain rare examples of the once extensive Port Jackson mallee scrub (Eucalyptus obstans, formerly Obtusiflora).[1]

The 177-hectare (440-acre) headland was first used by local aboriginal people for fishing and cultural activities. Since European settlement, the headland has been used for dairy farming, recreational shooting, military use as a training facility, and a defensive position during World War II known as the Boora Point Battery.[1][6]

The ANZAC Rifle Range on the headland has been in active use since recreational target shooting first began in the 1850s, and is believed to be the oldest rifle range in Australia. It was previously known as the Long Bay Rifle Range and was renamed the ANZAC Rifle Range in 1970 by the Army as a tribute to the rifle club members who served the nation during two World Wars and the Korean Campaign. The range has hosted numerous national and international shooting competitions including the prestigious Empire Matches, the Bicentennial Shooting Championships and the annual NSW Queen's Prize competitions.[2][3]

The central area of the Malabar headland was used for uncontrolled industrial waste disposal from 1968 to 1988. The Labor Government announced its intention to sell the headland in 1986. The tenders included a proposal from Club Med to build a 300-room resort complex linked to an eighteen-hole golf course on the headland. A legal action brought by the NSW Rifle Association blocked the sale of the headland in 1990. The use of the headland has more recently been shared by a number of recreational organisations including rifle and pistol clubs, horse riding school, model aircraft flying club, bush conservation, bush walking, jogging, bird watching and rock fishing. Discharge of firearms can only occur at an approved target shooting facility. In the greater Sydney metropolitan area there are over 55,000 licensed firearms owners who are required by law to use their equipment two, four, or more times per year. The number of people using the headland exceeded 1,000 per week until the Labor Government terminated the user leases in October 2011 citing questionable health and safety concerns.[2][3] The Labor Government demolished over $5 million worth of community infrastructure including the Malabar Riding School structures, Army Barrack huts, caretaker's cottage, Smallbore Rifle Range and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Bench Rest Rifle Range in October 2012.[7]

History

Chronology of the Malabar Headland

Major developments include:[1]

  • pre-1780s – local Aboriginal people in the area used the site for fishing and cultural activities. The land was known as Boora to the Aboriginals; rock engravings, grinding grooves and middens were recorded during a 2005 survey but a 2009/2010 survey failed to find the original survey sites.[8]
  • 1789 – Governor Arthur Phillip referred to "a long bay", which became known as Long Bay
  • 1819 – The land at Long Bay is rented for farming and running stock according to the Government Gazette[2]
  • 1820s – Crown grant for "Church and School Lands" of 1,730 hectares (4,300 acres) included the nominated area
  • 1842 – The Sydney Rifle Club is formed as the first civilian rifle club in Australia[9]
  • 1855 – village reserve set aside at Long Bay
  • 1850s – recreational shooting began on the rifle range site
  • 1859 – Randwick Minicipal Council created, covering the nominated area
  • 1861 – Church & School Lands resumed by the Crown and land sales begin
  • 1888 – recreational target shooting reported to be in action
  • 1898 – the Hereward wrecked on cliff base
  • 1899 – the Tokapo wrecked on cliff base
  • 1902 – NSW Government reaffirmed public recreation reserves in the nominated area
  • 1910 – NSW Government dedicated the whole headland for military purposes
  • 1916 – a cliff face ocean outfall for sewerage established south of the nominated area
  • 1919 – a permanent rifle range site was surveyed on the site
  • 1929 – control of the rifle range was transferred to the Commonwealth
  • 1931 – the MV Malabar wrecked near Boora Point, and the name quickly adopted for the local village to distinguish it from Long Bay Gaol
  • 1939-1945 – various military installations (c43 in number) built on the site, notably the Boora Point Battery
  • 1951 – Cumberland County Plan zoned the nominated rea as "special uses"
  • 1967 – NSW Rifle Association clubs transferred to the site from Holsworthy
  • 1968-1988 – rifle range site used for extensive land fill operations, possibly from nearby industrial sites
  • 1970 – name of the area changed to the ANZAC Rifle Range
  • 1986 – Commonwealth announced intention to dispose of property, and official military use ceased
  • 1980s – the name Malabar Headland began to be used after early natural vegetation surveys began
  • 1990s – legal action undertaken by NSW Rifle Association to prevent disposal of the site.

Indigenous history

Aboriginal people are believed to have inhabited the Sydney region for at least 20,000 years.[10] The population of Aboriginal people between Palm Beach and Botany Bay in 1788 has been estimated to have been 1,500. Those living south of Port Jackson to Botany Bay were the Cadigal people who spoke Dharug,[11] while the local clan name of Maroubra people was "Muru-ora-dial".[12] By the mid nineteenth century the traditional owners of this land had typically either moved inland in search of food and shelter, or had died as the result of European disease or confrontation with British colonisers.[11][1]

European history

One of the earliest land grants in this area was made in 1824 to Captain Francis Marsh, who received 4.9 hectares (12 acres) bounded by the present Botany and High Streets, Alison and Belmore Roads. In 1839 William Newcombe acquired the land north-west of the present town hall in Avoca Street.[1]

Randwick takes its name from the town of Randwick, Gloucestershire, England. The name was suggested by Simeon Pearce (1821-86) and his brother James. Simeon was born in the English Randwick and the brothers were responsible for the early development of both Randwick and its neighbour, Coogee. Simeon had come to the colony in 1841 as a 21-year-old surveyor. He built his Blenheim House on the 1.6 hectares (4 acres) he bought from Marsh, and called his property "Randwick". The brothers bought and sold land profitably in the area and elsewhere. Simeon campaigned for construction of a road from the city to Coogee (achieved in 1853) and promoted the incorporation of the suburb. Pearce sought construction of a church modelled on the church of St. John in his birthplace. In 1857 the first St Jude's stood on the site of the present post office, at the corner of the present Alison Road and Avoca Street.[1][13]

Randwick was slow to progress. The village was isolated from Sydney by swamps and sandhills, and although a horse-bus was operated by a man named Grice from the late 1850s, the journey was more a test of nerves than a pleasure jaunt. Wind blew sand over the track, and the bus sometimes became bogged, so that passengers had to get out and push it free. From its early days Randwick had a divided society. The wealthy lived elegantly in large houses built when Pearce promoted Randwick and Coogee as a fashionable area. But the market gardens, orchards and piggeries that continued alongside the large estates were the lot of the working class. Even on the later estates that became racing empires, many jockeys and stablehands lived in huts or even under canvas. An even poorer group were the immigrants who existed on the periphery of Randwick in a place called Irishtown, in the area now known as The Spot, around the junction of St.Paul's Street and Perouse Road. Here families lived in makeshift houses, taking on the most menial tasks in their struggle to survive.[1]

In 1858 when the NSW Government passed the Municipalities Act, enabling formation of municipal districts empowered to collect rates and borrow money to improve their suburb, Randwick was the first suburb to apply for the status of a municipality. It was approved in Februrary 1859, and its first Council was elected in March 1859.[1]

Randwick had been the venue for sporting events, as well as duels and illegal sports, from the early days in the colony's history. Its first racecourse, the Sandy Racecourse or Old Sand Track, had been a hazardous track over hills and gullies since 1860. When a move was made in 1863 by John Tait, to establish Randwick Racecourse, Simeon Pearce was furious, expecially when he heard that Tait also intended to move into Byron Lodge. Tait's venture prospered, however and he became the first person in Australia to organise racing as a commercial sport. The racecourse made a big difference to the progress of Randwick. The horse-bus gave way to trams that linked the suburb to Sydney and civilisation. Randwick soon became a prosperous and lively place, and it still retains a busy residential, professional and commercial life.[1]

Today, some of the houses have been replaced by home units. Many European migrants have made their homes in the areaa, along with students and workers at the nearby University of NSW and the Prince of Wales Hospital.[1][14]

Transfer of land from the Commonwealth to New South Wales

On 19 January 2016, Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt and NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman announced the completion of the transfer of ownership of the South-Eastern Malabar Headland (also known as Lot 304) from the Commonwealth to the people of New South Wales. "We have quadrupled the size of land on the Malabar Headland that will be owned by the people of New South Wales," Minister Hunt said. 'The South-Eastern Headland is the most beautiful and scenic part of the Malabar Headland with panoramic coastal views rivalling any other section of Sydney's stunning coastline. We have fully funded a $5 million upgrade to the Central Malabar Headland, confirmed in the recent release of the 2015-16 Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook. This includes funding to return the South East Equestrian Club to the Headland. The necessary remediation and constructions works are expected to be commence shortly. Funding will also be used to improve safety and other amenities on the ANZAC Rifle Range, as well as completing a scoping study to investigate alternative sites for a mutually agreeable relocation of the New South Wales Rifle Association. We are committed to ensuring the whole of the Malabar Headland is kept in public hands in perpetuity,' Minister Hunt said.[1]

Minister Speakman said the transfer was a win for the local environment with the South-Eastern Headland home to some of the last remnants of the threatened Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and a surviving coastal battery from the defence of Sydney during World War II. "On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I am delighted to welcome back this portion of the Headland after nearly a hundred years of Commonwealth ownership," Minister Speakman said. "We will now work hard to gazette the area as a National Park and to enable safe and significant public access," Minister Speakman said.[1][15]

70 hectares (170 acres) of Malabar Headland (its eastern side) were declared a national park by the State Government.[16] The eastern section of the national park was officially opened in March 2017.[17][1]

Description

Malabar Headland is comprised of two sections of bushland: an eastern coastal section of approximately 54 hectares (130 acres) on the Peninsula seaward edge and a smaller western section of approximately 15 hectares (37 acres) located approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) inland. Both sections contain remnant coastal vegetation communities of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub growing on Pleistocene sand. The vegetation on the eastern edge of the Peninsula ranges from low open scrub of less than 1m high on exposed rock to tall open scrub of up to three metres (nine point eight feet) in height in more sheltered situations. The predominant large scrub species are heath banksia (Banksia ericifolia), coast tea tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), scrub she oak (Allocasuarina distyla), Melaleuca armillaris and wallum banksia (Banksia aemula). On exposed cliff edges the vegetation is low scrub of coast rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) and spiny headed mat rush (Lomandra longifolia). In areas of impeded drainage dagger hakea (Hakea teretifolia) and bottlebrush (Callistemon linearis) occur with a ground cover of sedges. The western section contains heath and scrub communities ranging from less than one metre to 3–4 metres (9.8–13.1 ft) in height. The main shrubs are heath banksia, M.Armillaris and tick bush (Kunzea ambigua). More sheltered sites in the north-east gully support a low woodland dominated by red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera). The high diversity of plant species found in this section of the Long Bay area is the result of the combination of sand sheet and sandstone soils which occur here. The vegetation communities of the Long Bay area provide a habitat for small mammals, reptiles and birds. Although no detailed faunal surveys have been carried out in the area, field observations have noted a diverse bird and small reptile fauna.[1]

On Boora Point are the remains of a coastal defence establishment constructed in 1943. There are remains of concrete walls of two gun emplacements with associated rooms and tramway tunnels, northern and southern searchlight blockhouses and engine rooms, a battery observation post and associated barracks and toilet blocks. There is a rare example of 15-centimetre (6 in) Mark XII gun mountings. There are remnants and sites of many other structures and a sandstone lined cutting of a tramway. Graffiti dating from World War II can be seen. A large wind generator, erected in 1987 by the Department of Minerals and Energy as experimental apparatus, was removed in July 2000. Relics of the south-west ocean outfall sewer exist in the area. Department of Environment and Heritage.[1]

Condition

As at 8 December 2004, the vegetation is in good condition. The NSW Scientific Committee has stated that the threats to the survival of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Community include fragmentation, development, increased nutrient status, inappropriate fire regimes, invasion by exotic plants, grazing by horses and rabbits, erosion from use of bicycles, motorcycles and from excessive pedestrian use. The principal weed species found in the place; pampas grass, lantana and bitou bush, have been greatly reduced by a volunteer bush regeneration program. Weed reduction is more obvious in the coastal section of the headland. Limited dumping of garden refuse continues. Feral animals, including rabbits, cats and dogs are present on the headland. Periodic fires occur in both sections of the headland, although there are no signs that species diversity has yet been affected. Increasing the frequency of fire events combined with unrestricted trail bike activity will, however, lead to further fragmentation of the vegetation and is a key threatening process to the long-term viability of the vegetation community.[1]

Although access to the place is restricted for safety reasons, the headland is used for passive recreational pursuits such as walking.. The effect of trail bike riding is noticeable in the widening of tracks and the creation of jump obstacles. Evidence of vandalism is widespread. Obvious examples include recent graffiti covering the historic fortifications and the dumping and burning of cars. Condition assessed 2000.[1]

The condition of the landscape is good to high.[1]

Heritage listing

As at 8 December 2004, Malabar Headland contains two significant bushland remnants - referred to as the coastal section and the western section. Together, these contain what is probably the largest area of essentially unmodified bushland in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. The bushland is a significant part of one of two semi-natural corridors between Botany Bay and Port Jackson. The two sections support at least seven distinct plant communities. This diversity of habitats is only matched in the Eastern Suburbs in Botany Bay National Park.[1]

The vegetation communities of Malabar Headland are of scientific and educational significance because they contain rare examples of coastal communities growing on Pleistocene sand deposits within the Sydney region. These communities have different species composition to those found elsewhere in the Sydney region.[1]

Both the coastal and western sections of Malabar Headland support a high diversity of plant species, with species composition reflecting changes in aspect. At least three hundred plant species occur within the place and only fifty percent of the place's flora is common to both sections.[1]

Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, a nationally endangered ecological community occurs as heath and scrub in the coastal section and as a low woodland in the more protected western section. Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub is regarded as of extremely high conservation significance, due to the extent of previous clearing. The community was once common on Quarternary sands in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney; now less than one percent of the original community remains and is restricted to Malabar Headland and La Perouse.[1]

The western section contains remnants of dunes believed to have been formed as a result of the last major glacial period. These occur adjacent to sandstone outcrops and provide an opportunity to study the place's geomorphological formation.[1]

Malabar Headland demonstrates much of the range of landscapes which originally occurred in the Eastern Suburbs, including coastal rock platforms, sea cliffs and headlands in the coastal section, and sandstone escarpments and aeolian sand dunes in the western section.[1]

The place contains the last known population of the once extensive Port Jackson mallee (EUCALYPTUS OBSTANS, formerly OBTUSIFLORA) in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.[1]

The place includes a World War Two coastal defence site of historic significance, the Boora Point Battery. This is an imposing, purpose built coastal landmark which is important for providing tangible evidence of Australia's coastal defence efforts in the Sydney area during World War Two.[18] The battery features a number of particularly unusual attributes, including a rare example of 6 inch Mark XII gun mountings, a completely underground counter bombardment facility, with gun crew ready rooms, ammunition supply and engine room and a small gauge sunken railway associated with an imposing observation post.[19] The battery has particular social significance to World War Two veterans and those involved in its war time operations, or interested in the history of fortifications.[20] The area includes a number of additional sites of cultural heritage value, including World War Two graffiti, and features associated with a significant town service - the south-west ocean outfall sewer.[21].[22][1]

Malabar Headland was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 July 2005 having satisfied the following criteria.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

The Malabar Headland is of State significance as the place includes a World War Two coastal defence site of State significance, the Boora Point Battery. This is an imposing, purpose built coastal landmark which is important for providing tangible evidence of Australia's coastal defence efforts in the Sydney area during World War Two.[1]

The Aboriginal heritage vlaues of the Malabar Headland are still being identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history.

N.B. The Aboriginal heritage values of the Malabar Headland are still being identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

N.B. The Aboriginal heritage values of the Malabar Headland are still being identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.[1]

The place is ihas strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

The Malabra Headland is of State significance as the extant battery has particular social significance to World War Two veterans and those involved in its war time operations, or interested in the history of fortifications.[1]

The Aboriginal heritage vlaues of the Malabar Headland are still being identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.[1]

The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The Malabar Headland is of State significance as it contains the largest area of diverse native bushland in the Sydney's Eastern Suburbs matched only by Botany Bay National Park and is one of few remaining examples of vegetation communities that were present prior to European occupation.[1]

The Aboriginal heritage vlaues of the Malabar Headland are still being identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.[1]

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The Malabar Headland is of State significance as the extant battery features a number of particularly unusual attributes, including a rare example of 6 inch Mark XII gun mountings, a completely underground counter bombardment facility, with gun crew ready rooms, ammunition supply and engine room and a small gauge sunken railway associated with an imposing observation post. The site also contains the only known population of the rare Port Jackson Mallee, and populations of the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub.[1]

The Aboriginal heritage vlaues of the Malabar Headland are still being identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales.

N.B. The Aboriginal heritage values of the Malabar Headland are still being identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an "Malabar Headland". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H01741. Retrieved 2 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC-BY 4.0 licence.
  2. ^ a b c d e Scudder, Nathan. A History of the Anzac Rifle Range Malabar. ISBN 978-0-646-56020-5.
  3. ^ a b c d "Dept of Finance - Malabar Headland".
  4. ^ Malabar, New South Wales
  5. ^ "Randwick Council SS Tekapo".
  6. ^ "Peter Garrett - Malabar Headland".
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference NSW Rifle Association was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ ANZAC Rifle Range Heritage Assessment 2010. Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd. 8 February 2010.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference History_NSWRA.pdf was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Turbet, 2001.
  11. ^ a b Randwick Library webpage, 2003.
  12. ^ City of Sydney webpage, 2003.
  13. ^ Pollen, 1988, 217-8.
  14. ^ Pollen, 1988, 218-9.
  15. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 19/1/16
  16. ^ Southern Courier, 16/2/16
  17. ^ NPWS e-news, 18/3/2017
  18. ^ Australian Historic Themes: 7.7 Defending Australia.
  19. ^ Criterion B.2
  20. ^ Criterion G.1
  21. ^ Criterion C.2
  22. ^ http://www.deh.gov.au

Bibliography

  • anon. (1985). Randwick: a social history.
  • "Long Bay Area - Register of the National Estate listing". Australian Heritage Commission. 1987.
  • Bibby, Paul (2012). 'Court shoots down plan to shift rifle range and create a park', in The Sydney Morning Herald - Courts.
  • Cooper, D. M. (1909). History of Randwick 1859-1909.
  • ERM Australia P/L (2010). Anzac Rifle Range Malabar -Heritage Assessment.
  • Fermanis, Jordan (2017). 'Malcolm's Shotgun Wedding at Malabar'.
  • Friends of Malabar Headland (2002). "Proposal for Boora National Park on Malabar Headland".
  • McKenny, Leesha (2016). 'Shooters locked in on Malabar headland'.
  • Murphy, Perumal (1989). Randwick Heritage Study.
  • Perumal Murphy Wu Pty Ltd (2000). Randwick Conservation Areas Assessment and Recommendations.
  • Pollon, F.; Healy, G. (1988). Randwick entry, in 'The Book of Sydney Suburbs'.
  • Winston, Denis (1957). Sydney's Great Experiment: the progress of the Cumberland County Plan.

Attribution

This Wikipedia article contains material from Malabar Headland, entry number 01741 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 2 June 2018.

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