Mackellar’s recently re-elected Independent MP, Dr Sophie Scamps, who represents communities across the electorate, including Mona Vale, has affirmed her commitment to nominate the historically and culturally significant Pittwater area for National Heritage listing, a key promise from her successful campaign.
The Australian federal election was held on Saturday, 3 May, 2025. By Wednesday, 7 May, 2025, figures from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) tally room showed Dr Scamps had secured a notable victory.
Scamps Confirmed for Second Term
Dr Scamps successfully retained her seat in Mackellar, marking her second term representing the electorate. The AEC reported she had garnered 38.37% of the primary vote. In the two-candidate preferred count, Dr Scamps received 56,733 votes, ahead of her opponent James Brown who polled 45,775 votes.
Local news outlets also confirmed her re-election, noting a swing in her favour and reporting that she had delivered an acceptance speech. Early voting for the election had commenced on Tuesday, 22 April, due to Easter and Anzac Day falling within the election period.
Protecting Pittwater’s Legacy
A central promise from Dr Scamps during her campaign was the plan to nominate the ‘Pittwater area’ to the National Heritage List. She stated that this initiative aims to protect and conserve the area’s unique heritage values and significance for future generations. Dr Scamps highlighted that Pittwater is a breathtaking natural wonder and an area of profound importance to Australia that warrants such protection.
The Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, strongly supports this nomination. Ms Scruby remarked that protecting Pittwater through a National Heritage Listing would help safeguard its unique cultural, natural, and historical legacy.
She believes this is a crucial step toward preserving the shared history for future generations and defending the landscape from encroaching development and environmental degradation.
The Significance of Pittwater
Photo Credit: History of Aboriginal Sydney
Dr Scamps explained that Pittwater’s sites directly link to First Nations’ ancestors and traditions, referencing notable figures like Bowen Bungaree of the Garigal clan. She also noted the area’s reflection of Australia’s colonial history, from its naming by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788 to an 1891 event where a day was spent drafting the Australian Constitution at The Basin, onboard the Lucinda.
According to Dr Scamps, Pittwater is a cornerstone of the nation’s story, encompassing sacred Indigenous heritage sites, iconic landmarks like Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and remnants of early maritime structures. She identified threats to Pittwater’s character and beauty, such as inappropriate development and excessive excavation.
The proposed National Heritage Listing aims to secure federal protection under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which would require ministerial approval for any actions impacting Pittwater’s heritage values.
Dr Scamps further described Pittwater’s natural landscapes, including its bushland reserves, coastal headlands, wetlands, and Norfolk Island pines, as illustrative of Australia’s rich biodiversity. She also pointed to Pittwater’s cultural resonance, from its history as a maritime hub to a leisure retreat and its contribution to the development of surf lifesaving in Australia.
Process for Heritage Nomination
The Commonwealth Environment Minister opens nominations for the National Heritage List annually. The list recognises places of national importance based on criteria that include having ‘outstanding heritage value to the nation’.
Dr Scamps’ office indicated that the precise geographic boundaries for the Pittwater nomination would be determined through consultation with the community, local historians, and conservationists, to preserve the ‘general area’ known as Pittwater. If successful, Pittwater would be managed according to National Heritage management principles, likely requiring heritage assessments for any development within the protected area.
Currently, there are 123 places on the National Heritage List, 29 of which are in New South Wales, including nearby Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Published Date 08-May-2025
