MMHN August 2022 Update

Greetings all

Plenty to report this month as we deal with lingering COVID, gaining courage as we tentatively venture forth, masked, impatient and energetic from what seems to have been a deep, long and cold winter. So – official matters first.

 

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM)

 

Contents: 
(Click on the headings below for specific items, or scroll down for the full Update)
1. International Congress of Maritime Museums (ICMM)
2. Warehouses – Maritime infrastructure
3. Maritime Art – Walga Rock
4. Antikythera Mechanism
5. Maritime Garden
6. Tugboat Strife
7. Heritage Fleet News
8. Submarine News
9. Seafarer Solidarity
10. Australian Strategic Fleet
11. Melbourne Boat Show and BIAV
12. ‘Navigating our Ports Futures’
13. Docklands Summit – 2 September
14. Central Pier, Docklands
15. Star of the South Wind Energy Project
16. City of Hull Connection
17. Aquaculture – Abalone
18. Shipwreck of Captain Cook’s Endeavour being eaten by ‘termites of the ocean’
19. New MMHN Network Connections
20. The last word – Come on Down to Port Welshpool

 

1. International Congress of Maritime Museums (ICMM)
After three years of pandemic, global maritime stakeholders are gathering in Halifax, Nova Scotia next month at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. See https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca MMHN Chair Jackie Watts is the recipient of the Richard Foster Bursary covering registration fees. Richard Foster died tragically in 2001. He was Director of the National Museums, Mersey (now National Museums Liverpool). Although the concept of Melbourne’s Maritime Experience Centre is the centre of MMHN advocacy efforts it remains a ‘twinkle in our eye’ at present – but a twinkle which is bright as the concept gains traction. It will grow significantly brighter in accessing the professional expertise of other maritime stakeholders around the globe. Jackie will be introduced by MMHN Patron, Dr Kevin Fewster CBE AM FRSA as she enthusiastically represents the sixteen regional maritime centres around Victoria. We are confident that such ‘exposure’ will serve Victoria well by hopefully stimulating curiosity and interest in the international maritime museum community.

The ICMM is committed to safeguarding and enhancing our maritime cultural heritage, in the spotlight recently at the Ocean, One Cultural Heritage summit hosted by the Musée National de la Marine in Brest, France in February 2022

 

2. Warehouses – Maritime infrastructure
In the nineteenth century warehouses lined the banks either side of the Yarra River to absorb cargo for distribution around the state. Warehouses on Melbourne’s extensive docks were elements within the port supply chain and the investment in such impressive structures reflected the wealth they in-part created. Many have been demolished but a significant example exists in the iconic Robur Tea Warehouse in Clarendon Street, built in 1887 and considered one of the finest and most prominent examples of a 19th century warehouse in Melbourne. and is a testament to Southbank’s industrial history (Victorian Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 2017 (Ref H526). However, threats to such heritage assets continue apace. Brendan Rees reports in Southbank News (August issue) that Boutique developer CostaFox, which owns the 134-year-old building after buying the property for $28m last year, recently lodged plans to ‘reinvigorate’ the warehouse into a 154-room international hotel under a ‘complete refurbishment’. The City of Melbourne is soon to consider a planning application to partially demolish this magnificent heritage-listed warehouse and construct two new adjoining buildings. MMHN is seriously concerned that the intrusive ambitious re-build will adversely impact the heritage integrity of the iconic warehouse – one of the very few reminders of the splendour of Melbourne’s CBD Docks. A separate Heritage Permit is required from Heritage Victoria. We anxiously await news of this ‘development’ – and possibly not the loss of this important element of maritime heritage.

 

3. Maritime Art – Walga Rock
Intriguing images of early sailing ships etched into rock in remote inland sites continue to confound us. The image below was found on a rock face 350 km kilometres inland from the WA coast forming a massive 2 km long ‘gallery’ on the monolithic Walga Rock (known to the local Aborigines as Wolgarna Rock or Walganna Rock).There are many explanations as to which particular vessel this might be – but it’s clear that the vessel and the artist had travelled far. Want to investigate further? See https://talesfromthequarterdeck.com/2020/10/23/the-mystery-ship-of-walga-rock/

 

4. Antikythera Mechanism
More ancient mysteries. The object known as Antikythera Mechanism retrieved in 1901 from a shipwreck in Greek waters was discovered accidentally among a priceless haul of artefacts and statues at a depth of between 42–52 metres. Prof. Tony Freeth, University College said this astounding ‘mechanism’ shocked and puzzled archaeologists because anything from ancient Greece simply shouldn’t have gear wheels. The instrument is believed to have been designed and constructed by Greek scientists and has been variously dated to about 87 BC, between 150 and 100 BC,^[ or to 205 BC. Gears, which were made of bronze, had teeth that were a millimetre long, calculated the cycles of the cosmos — the sun, the moon and the movement of the planets against the stars. It became known as the Antikythera mechanism, a mechanical computer that predicted astronomical events like eclipses with startling accuracy. MMHN encourages you look at link revealing this astounding tale – discovery of the wreck, subsequent complex recovery – and most importantly, the technical expertise evident in ancient timed.
See more here and here.

 

5. Maritime Garden
MMHN is intent on engaging the public, and in particular young people, with the technological wonders which have enabled exploration and trade across the vast oceans – astronomical observation, and invention, continue the process above and below the water. MMHN is proposing that Development Victoria and City of Melbourne activate the languishing Docklands by establishing a new public open space – designed for a maritime educational purpose. There are many possibilities, e.g., navigation activities, monitoring weather, wave surge, environmental/pollution, sea life etc. Installations appropriate at a waterside location – including perhaps a version of the Antikythera mechanism? Such a Maritime Garden, offering informative and instructional activities, would constitute a permanent, appropriate heritage-based but future-oriented maritime attraction in Docklands. MMHN was delighted recently to discover that plans for such an informative Maritime Garden were prepared 20 years ago by landscape architect Simon Warrender. The form of the garden itself is based on the points of a compass. MMHN senses that the time for a Docklands Precinct dedicated Maritime Garden has come.

 

6. Tugboat Strife
Members of the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE) and the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU), both affiliates of the Nautilus Federation, held a joint ‘stopwork meeting’ of Svitzer tug employees, alongside members of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA/CFMMEU) on 5 August. The stopwork meeting was conducted by videoconference and was attended by over 200 members in various locations including tugboats, in union rooms and from members’ homes. https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/news/back-off-svitzer/

Hannah Wootten reports (Australian Financial Review, 5 August) that the strike will impact ten ports across Australia and comes ahead of a hearing of the Fair Work Commission on 8 August at which the company sought to terminate the agreement. If Svizter is successful, pay rates would be at award-level, resulting in salary cuts of up to 50%. Outcome pending.
 

7. Heritage Fleet News

• Steam Tug Wattle

Maritime restoration is always a time-consuming, costly undertaking. Funding is an ever-present headache (more of a migraine really) for those courageous folk valiantly intent on restoring and/or operating Melbourne’s Heritage Fleet. The Wattle is nearing the ‘pointy end’ of restoration works. Of necessity, Wattle focus is now on the final funding ‘crunch ‘. Volunteers have devoted 14 years and over 40,000 hours of work to the project. So far, nearly $2 million and in-kind support has been provided by generous donors. Port of Melbourne have been very generous with in-kind support covering hefty slippage costs. But – before the Wattle can commence generating its own funds through tourism, a further $200,000 is needed to make the ‘vision’ a reality.

MMHN joins with Bay Steamers Maritime Museum (i.e. Wattle) in their excitement at the prospect of Steam Tug Wattle returning to ‘survey’ and set to operate and enliven the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. Fund-raising is not for the faint hearted. The sooner the Wattle is operating, the sooner it can become self-sufficient. If you recognise the immense efforts of so many and if you acknowledge the value of maritime heritage, perhaps offer your support by contributing to the completion of the Wattle works. Bank details:
BSB No. 083 163. Account No. 4374 59324. Name of the account is Restoration Account.

 

• Polly Woodside

News from the Polly is less cheerful. Maintenance costs are a serious issue despite income from the leased premises, formerly the Maritime Museum, adjacent to the vessel. Maintaining in-put from the invaluable but diminishing number of able Polly volunteers is also of concern. Nevertheless, the National Trust (Vic) has announced that it will host open days on Sunday 4 September and Sunday 2 October and will offer optional guided tours at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Below is an image from wikipedia of the Polly in happier days. The caption still reads: Polly Woodside is an iron-hulled, three-masted barque currently forming the major attraction of the Melbourne Maritime Museum.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Maritime_Museum
This is now no longer the case. Clearly there is a challenge time ahead for the rapidly degenerating Polly Woodside.

 

8. Submarine News
An unsubstantiated and wryly amusing report from Andrew Tillett (Aistralian Financial Review, 5 August) notes that French President Macron, at a recent meeting with PM Albanese, suggested that to help to address Australia’s potential submarine capability gap between the retirement of the Collins-class vessels and the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS alliance, the French Naval Group could build four conventional submarines for Australia at its Cherbourg shipyards. Australian unions would naturally favour such shipbuilding in Adelaide.
 

9. Seafarer Solidarity
Spotted in Melbourne General Cemetery, evidence of camaraderie afloat long ago. The inscription below the maritime symbol on this very substantial monument reads Erected by a few friends in memory of Henry Palmer late of Ardarth Scotland. Died 8th January 1858. Aged 32 years. A young but evidently popular seafarer far from home. Does anyone know more of Henry?

 

10. Australian Strategic Fleet
‘Just-in-Time’ to ‘Just-in-Case Approach
To echo journalist Peter Hartcher (ABC Insiders 14 August) Australia is in the midst of a maritime supply chain revolution – a paradigm shift from a ‘Just-in-Time’ approach to a ‘Just-in-Case’ approach. An Australian strategic merchant fleet is central to this crucial shift – complex but essential. MMHN together with OSSA have advocated in the strongest possible terms that the federal government focus on taking measures to addressing deficiencies in development of an Australian strategic fleet. Pleasing to note the MUA meeting with PM Albanese on 3 August in Canberra. The ALP Government undertook to strengthen Australia’s economic sovereignty and national security by building an independent Strategic Fleet to secure our ongoing access to fuel supplies and other essential imports. More than most nations, Australia is dependent on seaborne trade. Shipping accounts for 99 per cent of Australia’s import and export of goods, including fuel. Currently now, less than 1% of Australian seaborne trade is carried by Australian ships. Consequently, Australia is reliant on foreign governments and foreign companies for essential imports. In times of conflict or crisis, economic sovereignty and national security, we need to have Australian seafarers working on Australian ships. There are inevitably divergent opinions around such shipping policy reform but Maritime Industry Australia argues that creation of a strategic fleet can and needs to be done and calls for a ‘level playing field’ with other nations’ fleets in relation to corporate tax structure and seafarer tax treatment. Shipping companies and seafarers sailing under many countries’ flags pay no tax.

 

11. Melbourne Boat Show and BIAV
Few are aware of the truly staggering annual economic clout of recreational maritime industry – worth $4.5 billion dollars to the Victorian economy, provides more than 17,700 jobs and supports the 200,000 registered boat owners, 400,000 marine license holders, and 900,000 boating participants engaged in recreational water-based activities in Victoria. Great news for boating recreational enthusiasts: The 60th Melbourne Boat Show staged by Boating Industry Association (VIC) will, after two lost pandemic years be relocated to Victoria Harbour at NewQuay Promenade, Docklands on 20 to 23 October. Docklands is obviously a great site for the Boat Show – a perfect aquatic arena to showcase the largest event for the Victorian marine industry, attracting boating and water sport enthusiasts, fishing aficionados drawn from around the State, interstate and internationally. See https://www.biavic.com.au

MMHN applauds the level of engagement and advocacy of the BIAV.You may wish to look at the impressive range of BIAV Position Statements. See https://www.biavic.com.au/position-statement-list

 

12. ‘Navigating our Ports Futures’
Ministerial Roundtable for the Victorian Commercial Ports Strategy
MMHN was pleased to accept an invitation to attend the launch of this long-awaited Strategy released by Minister for Ports and Freight, Hon Melissa Horne at Geelong on 27 July. Obviously, this multi-faceted strategy and will have a long-range impact across the maritime sector. It is pleasing to note that the Strategy engages with issues raised over recent years by MMHN, e.g. skills deficit, tension between planned Port of Melbourne infrastructure and the adjacent community -– including maritime heritage, specifically the shameful inadequacy of the future of Station Pier and its role as a Cruise Terminal (p.36) Station Pier is acknowledged as having significant heritage value. MMHN is delighted note action in relation to Station Pier (p.36).

The Strategy also acknowledges the tension around the plethora of responsible authorities which is having an adverse impact on waterways management, including maintaining maritime infrastructure. It refers to a plan of Local Ports and Waterways Reform to consolidate the disparate agencies within two years (p.65). Significantly – and perhaps in response to this point – the role of Victorian Ports has been elevated, reflecting the critical importance of ports in driving Victoria’s economic prosperity – Hastings, Portland, Geelong and Melbourne. From the perspective of maritime heritage, there is much to absorb in the Strategy – especially between the lines. https://transport.vic.gov.au/ports-and-freight/victorian-commercial-ports-strategy

 

13. Docklands Summit – 2 September
MMHN commends the City of Melbourne for initiating this Docklands Forum through which to achieve a planning ‘re-set’ – a genuine Vision for the Docklands precinct. Regrettable timing perhaps? Docklands’ major maritime heritage infrastructure (Central Pier) has degenerated to a point beyond repair and a permit to demolish is in process from Heritage Victoria, the long-awaited and desperately needed City of Melbourne Summit of Ideas on the future of the languishing Docklands Precinct. CoM frustration that in relation to the future ‘vision’ for the Docklands Precinct, inexplicably the responsibility still lies with Development Victoria (DV) is well-known. DV has entirely focussed on landside real estate in Docklands while persistently ignoring the inherent value of Docklands – as a unique waterways site. DV failed totally to recognise that the key point of differentiation between the Docklands Precinct and, for example, Doncaster, is the waterways! The very name ‘Docklands’ underscores this point. Failure to grasp this fact led to poor planning by DV and to the irrefutable neglect of heritage-listed Central Pier. MMHN has been invited in September to present our ‘Vision’ for the Docklands Precinct which is of such importance to Maritime Melbourne – past, present and future.
 

14. Central Pier, Docklands
The sad saga continues of Development Victoria’s (DV) negligence and disregard for the heritage value of Central Pier which permanently closed in early 2020 due to safety issues then left to further deteriorate. The mid-section was demolished without a permit, the destabilised western tip is now demolished and DV has now made an application for a permit to demolish the remaining “unsafe pier structure” abutting Victoria Harbour. DV has now assured MMHN that our views will be sought on what measures might appropriately be taken in respect to such a significant loss of key maritime heritage infrastructure. MMHN is heartened to receive reassurance this week that DV understands the heritage significance of Central Pier and requirements of the Heritage Act 2017 and will follow the appropriate processes once conversations have been had and plans are known ….  Central Pier is an important part of Victoria’s maritime history, and we are committed to revitalizing this important waterfront asset in a way that we can all be proud of for a long time to come. Lord Mayor Sally Capp concurs with MMHN stating “Docklands is a jewel in our city, a waterfront destination that can connect our thriving CBD to the harbour, incorporating Marvel Stadium and hopefully soon – a refurbished Central Pier.” We live in hope! See
https://www.docklandsnews.com.au/government-takes-next-steps-to-remove-derelict-central-pier
 

15. Star of the South Wind Energy Project
After two and a half years collecting data at sea, Star of the South’s two wind measurement devices – called floating LiDARs – have returned to dry land. Wind data collected confirms that the proposed project area experiences strong and consistent winds and is a suitable location for generating electricity from the wind. Wind monitoring completed; Ground investigations completed; Ground investigations involving 1100 soil samples from along the proposed transmission (more than 150 sites to understand local ground conditions) are completed. Findings will assist in designing the project’s underground transmission system. The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation is advising on cultural heritage and the Fishing Liaison Officer is working with local fishers to share information, hear feedback and build understanding of fishing in the area. The importance of the project has been referred to often by the federal government in recent days. Progress is impressive. Click here.

 

16. City of Hull Connection
Inspiration for Melbourne? News from the Hull. The Annual Folk and Maritime Festival on and around the Hull Marina will be held between 9 and 11 September. See the website for https://hullfolkmaritime.org/

 

17. Aquaculture – Abalone
Abalone are Victoria’s most valuable commercial fishery species. The majority of the catch being exported to international markets, predominately in Asia, while also supplying local markets. Abalone is caught along most of the Victorian coastline. The primarily harvest is blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) although greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) are also caught in smaller amounts. The commercial fishery is regulated by strict quotas, with a total allowable catch set annually based on the outcomes of a formal stock assessment process and is environmentally sustainable. Abalone Victoria (Central Zone) Limited (AVCZ) was established in 2015 to represent the views and interests of its members and to ensure appropriate governance of member resources. See https://abalonevictoria.com.au The minimum legal size for abalone depends on where they’re taken from.

You must carry a measuring device, use a blunt instrument when taking abalone, must not use knives, screwdrivers or sharp items that could cut the abalone, must not shuck abalone, or be in possession of shucked abalone, or land shucked abalone, in, under or on Victorian waters, including for use as bait or berley. You may only shuck abalone on the place of consumption. You can take abalone only between sunrise and sunset.

There is tension between ‘wild’ abalone industry and farmed abalone, as explained in this article: Outcry as planning minister reopens abalone farm proposal in south-west Victoria. See here.
 

18. Shipwreck of Captain Cook’s Endeavour being eaten by ‘termites of the ocean’
Tory Shepherd (The Guardian Australia – Online, 15 August) reports that according to Marine biology lecturer Reuben Shipway the wreck of Captain James Cook’s ‘Endeavour’ is being destroyed by shipworms, which are known as ‘termites of the ocean’. Cook used the ship in his voyage of the South Pacific from 1768 to 1771, which included his charting of the coast of eastern Australia, which he claimed for Great Britain. It was then scuttled by British forces in Newport Harbour, Rhode Island in 1778 during the American War of Independence. Shipway says anyone who cares about the wreck of the ‘Endeavour’ needs to come up with the resources and funding to protect it. See here.

 

19. New MMHN Network Connections
MMHN looks forward to collaboration with:

• Port of Williamstown Action Group
• Committee for Melbourne
• Friends of the Moonie Ponds Creek

 

20. The last word – Come on Down to Port Welshpool
The Port Welshpool Museum is holding a History Gathering Day at the Port Welshpool Ferry Terminal on 31 August, between 1 and 3.30pm. Have a cuppa, share your memories. The museum is looking for photos to help fill the gaps of many areas of history that have not been documented. Local photographer, Keith Haycroft, will be there to copy any photos you care to share, so no originals will be left with the museum. Local historian, Dr Cheryl Glowrey, will also be there to help on the day. Learn about Promair, Peterson’s Knife Factory, camping at the Port and on the Prom, what happened to the Fishing Fleet that once called the Port home. Enquiries to Janet 0413 199 776.
 

Do keep well in these most interesting times.
Until next month,