Overview

For generations, Middle Head and HMAS Penguin have belonged to the people of Sydney and Australia, not to the highest bidder. Right now, the Federal Government is planning to sell off around 11 hectares of this harbourside land: ancient Angophora forest, habitat for the Powerful Owl and Grey-headed Flying Fox, and a site with deep significance in Australia's Defence history. Once public land like this is sold, there's no guarantee of public access ever again. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.

We don't think a decision this big should be made without a fight.

The Headland Preservation Group, together with a coalition of local community groups, has launched the Not For Sale campaign calling on the Government to keep this land in public hands and, if Defence no longer needs it, to transfer it to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, where its natural, heritage and public values can be properly protected.

Where your donation goes

We're aiming to raise $20,000 to go towards advertising and print materials to fight this sell-off. We are aiming for 20,000 signatures on our petition and a strong turnout at our rally on Sunday 11 October at Balmoral Beach to show the Government how many people care about this place.

Reaching that many people takes printed flyers, signage and local advertising to get the message out. That's exactly what this fundraiser covers: printed materials and advertising to drive petition signatures and rally attendance - nothing else. Every person working on this campaign, from HPG committee members to volunteers on the ground, is giving their time for free. No donation raised here goes toward wages, of any kind.

Middle Head has been part of Sydney's story for generations - for the wildlife that lives there, the veterans who trained there, and everyone who's walked its tracks or swum off its beaches. We want it to stay that way for the next generation too.

Please chip in whatever you can, and help us put this message in front of as many Sydneysiders as possible before it's too late.

Sydney Harbour foreshore is not for sale

Sign the petition and find out more: https://notforsale.sydney

Join the rally: 11am, Sunday 11 October 2026, Balmoral Beach