White Bay Power Station

Item details

Name of item: White Bay Power Station
Type of item: Built
Group/Collection: Utilities - Electricity
Category: Electricity Generator/Power Station - coal/gas/oil
Location: Lat: -33.8667598526 Long: 151.1772691360
Primary address: Victoria Road, Rozelle, NSW 2039
Local govt. area: Inner West
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Metropolitan
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT2 DP1063454
LOT3 DP1063454
LOT4 DP1063454
LOT6 DP1063454
LOT40 DP791553
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
Victoria RoadRozelleInner West  Primary Address
Robert StreetRozelleInner West  Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
UrbanGrowth NSW Development CorporationState Government 

Statement of significance:

White Bay Power Station was the longest serving Sydney power station and is the only one to retain a representative set of machinery and items associated with the generation of electricity in the early and mid twentieth century. It retains within its fabric, and in the body of associated pictorial, written archives and reports and oral history recordings, evidence for the development of technology and work practices for the generation of electrical power from coal and water. This development of power generation at White Bay contributed to the expansion of the economy of Sydney and New South Wales.

As a result of its remarkably intact survival, it retains the unique ability to demonstrate, by its location, massing, design, machinery and associated archives, the influence and dominance that early power-generating technology exerted on the lives and urban fabric of inner cities in the first half of the 20th century. The extant items within the surviving operational systems are of an impressive scale and exhibit a high degree of creative and technical achievement in their design and configuration. They encompass all aspects of the generation of electrical power, and represent all phases from the inter-war period through to the more sophisticated technologies of the mid 20th century. They are of exceptional technical significance with research potential to yield information not available from any other source.

Aesthetically, White Bay Power Station contains internal and external spaces of exceptional significance. These spaces include raw industrial spaces of a scale, quality and configuration which is becoming increasingly rare and which inspire visitors and users alike. Externally, it is a widely recognised and highly visible landmark, marking the head of White Bay and the southern entry to the Balmain Peninsula and its industrial waterfront. It retains a powerful physical presence and industrial aesthetic and is the most important surviving industrial building in the area .

White Bay Power Station has strong and special associations and meanings for the local community, for former power station workers and for others who have used the site, and is of high social significance. It is a potent symbol of the area's industrial origins and working traditions, aspects of community identity that are strongly valued today by both older and new residents. It is one of the few surviving features in the area that provide this symbolic connection.

It is the only coal based industrial structure, dependent on a waterside location to survive adjacent to the harbour in the Sydney Region. It also forms part of a closely related group of large scale industrial structures and spaces (White Bay Container Terminal, Glebe Island Silos, Container Terminal and Anzac Bridge) which along with the White Bay Hotel, define a major entry point to the city from the west.

It is of exceptional structural significance to the State of New South Wales. (Design 5, 2004)
Date significance updated: 23 Feb 04
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Designer/Maker: NSW Department of Railways, Railways Commissioners Department
Builder/Maker: NSW Department of Railways, Railways Commissioners Department
Construction years: 1912-1948
Physical description: White Bay Power Station is located approximately 4km west of the Sydney CBD. The site is bounded to the south by Victoria Road and to the west by Robert Street, Rozelle. It is situated adjacent to a small inlet of Sydney Harbour. The White Bay Complex is composed of the following principal elements: (1) Two Steel Stacks (2) A Coal Handling Unit serviced by a spur rail line (3) Turbine Hall Building incorporating Administrative Offices, the old Laboratory and a Workshop (4) Boiler House (5) A Switch House and Substation (6) Ancillary structures including coal loading wharf and coal handling system.

The site is 38,000 square meters (Fitzsimmons, 2021).

The complex includes coal handling plant, Stacks, boilers, generators and switching facilities. The site complex is a rare example of a complete system representing early power generation in Australia. The architecture involves a rare use of the Arts and Crafts design in an industrial complex (MacKay in preparation)(RNI).

Secondary Nominator: The boiler house is a massive brick reinforced concrete structure. It is the third boiler house at the station and stands on the site of the first. The second one, formerly located to the south has been demolished. The coal handling plant consists of a rail truck dumping shed adjacent to the stacks and a conveyor belt covered way, sheathed in corrugated, galvanised steel, which runs up the east side of the boiler house. The turbine hall was built in two stages as demand for power increased. The massive rendered brick and reinforced concrete building housed not only the generating equipment but also the extensive administrative offices and the laboratory in the southern end. The electrical and mechanical workshops and some of the circuit breakers were located here. The switch house and substation are to the west of the turbine hall. The architecture of the switch house is similar to the turbine hall with its massive steel framed windows and plastered rendered facade. Ancillary structures on the site include the watch house, the oil reservoir and an amenities block (RNI).

STEEL STACKS:
The stacks are made of plate welded steel with guy wires and vibration dampeners at top and base. Only the northern most stack remains, the other having been demolished.

COAL HANDLING UNIT:
The coal handling unit has a dumping shed immediately behind the stacks where the rail coal trucks deposited their load. Here it was crushed and sized in jaw crushers and then conveyed by belt and bucket to overhead coal hoppers in the station Boiler House. The whole of the conveyor line is in steel section sheathed in corrugated steel. The whole of the coal handling system is of considerable heritage significance and of high industrial archaeological significance.

TURBINE HOUSE:
The Turbine House (or Hall) was built in two stages as demand for power increased. The massive rendered brick and reinforced concrete building housed not only the generating equipment but also extensive administrative offices and a laboratory at the southern end. Electrical and mechanical workshops and some of the station circuit breakers were located here. This structure contains the most significant system in the precinct. The power generating system consists of the headers, gauges, condensers, steam feed water pumps, electric feed water pumps, the two 50MW Parsons Turbo Alternators and their salt water steam condensers. The system is the oldest complete system in NSW. The hall also has a viewing platform in the annex, a large overhead crane and the engine beds of a smaller turbo alternator which was removed and scrapped some time ago. The turbines and their associated artefacts have high significance as a system. The Turbo Alternators, gauges and valves have high significance in their own right. This building is an example of confident industrial architecture, with overtones of the Arts and Crafts Design Movement in the continuous vertical piers of the northern facade. The original prominence of the facade had been somewhat reduced by the 1950s Boiler House attached to the left, as well as the infill between the facade of the switch house to the right. However, the full impact would be restored if the later structures were removed. The volume of the Turbine Hall is an extremely impressive space. It is considerably longer, though narrower, than the Turbine Hall at Ultimo Power House. The construction of the first (southern) half is brickwork. It was always intended to extend the building, but by the 1920s concrete had replaced brick as the preferred material for buildings of this scale. The external walls of the northern part are of poured concrete. The machinery bases, and what were the internal walls to the second Boiler House (since demolished) are in unusual coke breeze blocks, of similar size to sandstone masonry. The lower galleries in the first stage are concrete over permanent corrugated steel formwork. Later additions are in precast concrete arched sections. The main steelwork is stamped with the names of British manufacturers.

BOILER HOUSE:
The Boiler House is a massive brick and reinforced concrete structure. It is the third and final Boiler House constructed at the station and stands on the site of the first. The second, formerly located to the south, has been demolished. The boiler house is in fair condition considering the time it has been 'mothballed' (Godden 1989: 19). This structure once contained four Babcock and Wilcox pulverised fuel boilers, the Boiler Control Room, twelve massive ball mills for pulverising coal and coal and ash handling equipment. Very few of the relics in the Boiler House date from the first phase of development. The building itself is a brick and reinforced concrete masonry structure in reasonably good condition although it is now showing the inevitable signs of age. The Boiler Control Room, which dates from the early 1950s is of high significance and is the most important item in the Boiler House. All relics within the Boiler House have high industrial archaeological importance.
Former use: Aboriginal land, timber-getting, farm, power station for tramway network

History

Historical notes: The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

Sydney was declared a city in 1842 and was concentrated in the area currently occupied by the modern CBD. In the mid-1800s, it was a mix of commerce, retail, residences, manufacturing works and factories, with the Botanic Gardens and Domain to the east, port activities to the west and north and road outlets at its southern border leading to the inner western suburbs via the Parramatta Road, which was also the beginning of the Great Western Highway. By mid-century, it had become clear that a shorter route out of the city was available, across Johnstons Bay to the Glebe Island and on to Annandale.

Rozelle:
Rozelle is a suburb unique in being named for birds. Before European colonisation, the Parramatta River was the breaeding ground for flocks of wild birds. Brightly feathered rosellas were named by early (colonial) settlers of Parramatta, then called 'Rose Hill', who saw these birds there, and called them 'Rose Hillers', which soon became Rosellas. The presence of these birds in Rozelle Bay initiated the present (suburb) name, and later the suburb became Rozelle (Pollen & Healy, 1990, 231).

White Bay, with its busy rail sidings and shipping, was named after First Fleet Surgeon White. Victorian Road, a main thoroughfare in the district, was named for the great English Queen; Darling Street, winding along the top of the hill through Balmain until it reaches Darling Harbour, honours Governor Ralph Darling. The area of the present suburb (Rozelle) was originally part of the land grant in 1800 to William Balmain. It was subdivided between about 1860 and 1880 (Pollen & Healy, 1990, 231).

In its earliest (colonial) days, the ironbark trees (Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved); E.fibrosa (broad-leaved) trees were thick on the shores of this area, and it became known as Iron Bark Cove. WIth passing time and opening a bridge in 1882, the reference was forgotten and the bridge became simply Iron Cove (bridge). Ferries were used for crossing the river until the Iron Cove Bridge was built (ibid, 1990, 231).

Rozelle Hospital, a psychiatric centre, occupies a large site south of Iron Cove Bridge overlooking the water. John Brenan, ...an Irish born settler posted as a solicitor with the Bank of Australia in 1834, built Garry Owen House in 1839 on the Fairlight estate in what is now called Lilyfield. Brenan lost all his assets in land speculation and in 1864 the mansion was bought by John Gordon, who renamed it Callan Park. In the late 1870s, Frederick Norton Manning, then the 'Inspector of the Insane' made moves to ease the overcrowding at the Gladesville asylum. Callan Park (estate) was purchased (by the state government) and a new complex designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet was completed (there) in 1885. Most of the stone was quarried on site and the main group of buildings was named after American Doctor, Thomas Kirkbride. The grounds were laid out by (more likely by Overseer of Domains, James Jones, under the direction of) Charles Moore, then curator of the Sydney Botanic Gardens. Broughton Hall, also built by John Brenan, was named by James Keep, who bought it in 1864. It was sold to William and Frederick Langdon in 1912 and during the First World War was turned into a hospital for shell-shocked soldiers. It was acquired by the Commonwealth government in 1918 and became a psychiatric clinic in 1921. It is now owned by the state government and part of Rozelle Hospital (ibid, 1990, 231-2; adjusted by Stuart Read, 21/7/2021).

White Bay Power Station:
The Station was built in a number of stages. However two are of major importance. The first comprising the first half of the turbine hall, the switch house and one boiler house, was built between 1912 and 1917, by the Department of Railways to supply power to the Sydney railway and tramway system. The second phase, constructed between 1923 and 1928, was built of steel framing and reinforced concrete rather than brick as stage one had been. In 1953 the power station was transferred to the Electricity Commission of NSW. A new steel framed boiler house replaced the 1920s block no.1 between 1950 and 1958. The station remained in service until 1984 when it was finally decommissioned. White Bay Power station was the longest serving power station in Sydney, with a maximum output of 186MW.

White Bay Power Station Complex was built around 1912-13 by the Department of Railways to supply power to the Sydney Railway and Tramway System and is the only remaining example of such a station (RNI).

The station was built in two stages; first the brick turbine hall switch house and one boiler house. This phase included five generating units which became operational in 1917. The second phase commenced in 1923 and was built of steel framing and reinforced concrete rather than brick (RNI).

Specific:
As Sydney's tramways expanded, their power source changed from horse, to steam, to cable, and finally electrical traction (Godden 1989). Ultimo Power Station was built to supply the power for the tramways. It came into service in December 1889. Soon after, in 1904 the Sydney Municipal Council's Pyrmont Power Station was commissioned. Pyrmont supplied street lighting to an expanding private clientele. Balmain Power Station commenced operation in 1909. This was built by a private company, the Balmain Electric Light and Power Supply Corporation.

Construction of White Bay commenced in 1912. At this time the Railway Commissioners metropolitan electric power supply provided the traction current for Sydney's tramways, the Railway and Tramway workshops, part of the city's lighting load and supplied other Government Departments (ie.. sewerage services, swing bridges etc.). The Railways Commissioners Station at Ultimo, by this time comprised seven turbo alternators (36,000kW) and six water tube boilers (total evaporative capacity 580,000lbs). The station was performing to its limits. The tramway system in Sydney at the time was much more extensive than that in Melbourne and was challenged by steeper gradients.

By 1918 the need for a new larger, more flexible power station had been identified. White Bay Power Station was to fulfill this role and came into operation (partial) in 1913. At this stage the buildings had been completed but most of the plant had yet to be installed. It commenced operation with one 7500kW, 6600 volt, 25 cycle turbo alternator and associated boiler equipment on temporary foundations (the unit was later transferred to Newcastle). Between 1916 and 1919 two new Turbo Alternators and the No. 9 Alternator were installed at White Bay. These units were rated at 8750M 6600 volts, 25 cycles.

In 1925 the proposed electrification of the suburban rail system heralded a further increase in demand. White Bay was as a result again extended through the installation of two 22,000kW, 11,000volt, 50 cycle Turbo Alternators. The change to 50 cycle frequency was made because it was standard in Great Britain and it was anticipated that it would soon become the standard for Australia. The Department had also now committed to providing bulk power to the general public. Favourable reports had been received regarding the operation of rotary converters on high frequencies under heavy traction conditions, so 1926 an additional 22,000kW, 11,000 volt, 50 cycle Turbo Alternator and a 7,500kW frequency changer were installed to meet increased loading and bulk supply to the Sydney Municipal Council.

Between 1927 and 1928 two additional 18,750kW, 6600 volt, 25 cycle Turbo Alternators manufactured locally by the English Electric Company, were installed at White Bay to meet anticipated load growth on the 25 cycle system. In 1928 another 50 cycle unit was installed to meet increased loading arising from railway and bulk supply increases. In 1931 the 7,500kW frequency charger was transferred to Zarra Street Power Station (Newcastle) where urgent relief was required. This machine was no longer suitable to operate on the systems at White Bay which had grown substantially since original installation.

It was not until 1939 (again due to load growth), that a 25,000kVA frequency changer was installed to tie the 25 and 50 cycle systems together. This increased the effective capacity of each system by reducing the amount of stand-by plant required. During the war years the system suffered as capital was diverted to the conflict. As a result, post war, load demand quickly outstripped capacity. New plant was urgently required to upgrade the system. Therefore in 1948 the 1 and 2 battery boilers were removed along with two 8750kW turbo-alternators to make way for a 50,000kW 50 cycle Parsons Turbo Alternator.

In 1953 the power station was transferred to the Electricity Commission of NSW. A new steel framed boiler house replaced the 1920s block no.1 between 1950 and 1958 (RNI).

The station remained in service until 1984 when it was finally decommissioned. White Bay Power station was the longest serving power station in Sydney, with a maximum output of 186MW.

The power station remained in service until 1984 when the Station was decommissioned (RNI).

Debate started (about its future) when the power station was still operational but nearing the end of its lifespan. In 1980 then-NSW opposition leader Bruce McDonald outlined plans to demolish four Sydney coal-fired power plants including White Bay and replace them with gas. McDonald proposed residential housing for the site but went on to lose the election to Labor's Neville Wran in 1981 (Fitzsimmons, 2021).

The decommissioned power station once fed the largest metropolitan tramway network in the Southern hemisphere. As with London's Battersea power station, White Bay's turbine halls and stacks visually enhance the inner west skyline like a 'cathedral of industry'. From a technological angle, it's the only intact utility of its type left in the state. That Arthur Stace, Sydney's 'Mr Eternity' was born in its shadow adds to the site's historical significance (Williams, 2020).

In 1986, the Maritime Services Board demanded the expansion of commercial shipping on Sydney's waterfront, from Darling Harbour to White Bay, to preserve Sydney Harbour as a working port. The MSB called on the state government to acquire the White Bay and Pyrmont power stations and the Glebe Island grain terminal and transfer it to the MSB 'without significant cost' and further argued it should be compensated for waterfront land taken for other purposes. In 1989 under Liberal premier Nick Greiner, the state government announced plans for a private sector redevelopment of hte Pyrmont-White Bay area as a commercial, tourist and residential hub 'that would eclipse Darling Harbour'. This became the City West Urban Strategy - unveiled in 1990 and described by Greiner as 'the most exciting project in living memory'. The plan was for large amounts of private and government owned land in Pyrmont, White bay, Ultimo and the Eveleigh rail yards near Central to be developed by the private sector in stages over the next 30 years. The strategy included plans to conver more than 300 hectares of harbourside and city-fringe land into housing for 30,000 people, with workplaces for more than twice that number. Meanwhile, a total of 10 kiliometers of harbour foreshore would be made accessible to the public and a light rail line built. While some of this ambitious plan went ahead, the White bay Power station was still undelveoped when Labor's Bob Carr took power in 1995 (Fitzsimmons, 2021).

By 1995, when Carr was elected, public sentiment was shifting in favour of retaining the old industrial buildings for their history and character. The power station site was still owned by Pacific Power, which had started rehabilitation work and commissioned a wide-ranging report and designs by the firm Suters Architects Snell to explore the commercial potential of the site while retaining the builgind and their industrial character. It outlined options including using the boiler house as an annexe for the Powerhouse Museum, artists' studios and community facilities in the old switch house, plus a small hotel, office space, shops, restaurants and an entertainment complex containing cinemas... With Sydney already preparing for the 2000 Olympics, the report also proposed incorporating the Olympic Media headquarters for the International Broadcasting Centre, training facilities suitable for before and after the games, or a possible home for a Sydney-based Institute of Sport...(Fitzsimmons, 2021).

In 1997 the state government created the concept of the 'Bays Precinct' - encompassing Rozelle, Blackwattle and White Bays - for the first time and removed planning authority from Leichhardt Council. The new strategy explicitly banned residential or hotel development, restricting the precinct's future to a mix of commercial, port-related employment, waterfront or recreational uses...White Bay Power Station was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 1999. The same year the government announced new road and rail links for Glebe Island and White Bay to service the commercial port and increase the working capacity of the container terminal (Fitzsimmons, 2021).

In 2000 the government, through the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), bought the four-hectare White Bay Power Station site from Pacific Power, under an arrangement which could see it refurbished as a museum, film studio, retail centre or even a concert hall... By then, some but not all of the remediation work was completed - asbestos had been removed from the buildings but coal hydrocarbons still contaminated the groundwater and it was expected that further remediation and some restoration work would cost $15m (nearly $25m in 2020 dollars). In 2003 the SHFA announced the conservation plan for White Bay Power Station, setting guidlines for new development and adapting the building's interiors. The government proposed calling for expressions of interest the following year (Fitzsimmons, 2021).

2004 Energy Australia National Trust Heritage Award recieved.

In 2008 the nearby White Bay Hotel on Victoria Road burnt down, and in 2010 the government acquired it and added it to the parcel of land with the power station. By 2011 the outgoing Keneally government had approved plans for a new cruise ship terminal nearby at White Bay, replacing the one at Barangaroo. In 2015, after calling for 'great ideas' for The Bays (Precinct), UrbanGrowth NSW received more than 200 submissions with about a third of them related to the White Bay Power Station. These included Google Australia proposing an innovation hub and public access to the waterfront...which was favoured but fell apart, reportedly over issues such as the lack of public transport to the area, with the MetroWest not yet under construction... This proposal was rejected by the government because of the level of overdevelopment included (Fitzsimmons, 2021).

In 2015-16 a proposal for a technology hub at the site with Google as the key tenant was mooted, but this was not a new idea for the area. The old Unilever site at White Bay - near the power station but not the same parcel of land - nearly became a high tech business hub in the late 1980s under developer Pacific Property Investments. But the company changed its strategy and sold to Leda, which later sold to Meriton; the land now contains townhouses and apartments (Fitzpatrick, 2021).

In 2020 the state treasurer Dominic Perrottet toured the site with Planning Minister Rob Stockes, and said 'I think we're going to have at least put a $90 million just to get it up to scratch but we could work with private sector on a major new open space. Stokes noted that now the Sydney Metro station location and design was clear, there are opportunities (Channel 9 Sydney TV, 25/11/2020, https://ausprint.meltwater.com/mediafiles/audio/044/859/030/o.mp4).

In 2021 a plan to reinvent a section of unused harbour foreshore- with the White Bay Power Station as a centrepiece - has been launched by the NSW Government. Minister for Planning Rob Stokes said the draft Bays West Place Strategy aims to harness Sydney's stunning 'blue infrastructure' in the creation of a mixed-use precinct in the heart of the Eastern Harbour City.'Bays West is so central and historically significant to Sydney that it is time to revitalise the area and make it a desirable place for people to live, work and visit,' Mr Stokes said. The first, tangible action for ...rejuvenation will be urgent restorative works at ...White Bay Power Station. The government is providing $14 million for the first phase of works on site, which include investigation of structural integrity and safety as well as a program of critical repair and remediation works to begin later this year. Community consultation will include online seminars, face-to-face information sessions in the area and communication through advertising and letter-box drops. The draft Bays West Place Strategy is on exhibition from 22 March to 29 April, 2021 (www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au).

In 2022 leaked draft plans show a two hectare waterfront park and buildings up to 22 storeys high are planned for the first stage of a prized area abutting the White Bay Power Station...part of a 77 ha area at Rozelle with between 12 and 22 storeys, under the draft master plan that has yet to be signed off by the government. The 2ha park in the first stage of Bays West will centre on the power station, which th egovernment began a $14m remediation of in February (O'Sullivan, 2022).

Premier Dominic Perrottet and the state government have committed to the power station's rejuvenation, with $49m to complete remediation in the 2022-23 budget, despite the then Treasurer (now Premier) Perrottet denouncing it as 'a shocking building' that should be razed, less than 2 years ago. Then Planning Minister Rob Stokes and locals railed successfully against that stand. Stokes' plan that the building become a 'centrepiece' of the area's mooted revival looks like coming to fruition. Treasurer Matt Kean said the building would now be at the hear of one of Sydney's most anticipated urban renewal projets. 'The recently-released draft Bays West Stage 1 master plan outlines a bold vision for the precincnt with a restored White Bay Power Station at the heart of those plans' Mr Kean said... 'These remediation works will take around two years to complete, meanwhile the Placemaking NSW board will advise government on potential future uses' (Minister for Cities) Mr Stokes said. The local community and relevant stakeholders will be involved in the consultation process over the future use of White Bay Power Station (MacSmith, 2022).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Modification of terrain-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Aboriginal Culture-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Cadigal tribe - Eora nation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Sydney and Australian Landmark-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of industrial production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Forestry-Activities associated with identifying and managing land covered in trees for commercial purposes. Timber getting-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods Energy supply industry-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences Technologies for electrical supply-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Building and operating industrial tramways-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Public tramline system-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Engineering the public railway system-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Administering transport, public and private-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Suburban Centres-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from suburban to urban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Resuming private lands for public purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Subdivision of rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages living in the city-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Early Sydney Street-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Impact of railways on suburban development-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing ports-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Suburban Consolidation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Suburban Expansion-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages living in the suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Shaping coastal settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Impacts of railways on urban form-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 20th Century infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Creating landmark structures and places in suburban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing government towns-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Railway Suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing towns in response to topography-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Sharing urban resources-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Providing electricity-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Distributing electricity-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Public Transport - suburban railway lines-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Changes in the provision of electricty.-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Suburban Consolidation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Public transport - tramway lines-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Wharfside and Port Work Culture-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Railway work culture-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in industrial complexes-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in the public service-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working complex machinery and technologies-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Workers organising workers-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working on public infrastructure projects-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. State government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Local government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - providing public transport-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Public works-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Suburban Consolidation-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - building and administering rail networks-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Monuments-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Industrial buildings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Creating an icon-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Designing structures to emphasise their important roles-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to a trade union-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)
[Historical significance] 		White Bay Power Station is important as part of the States development of electrical power for industry and the growth of local and capital development across the State in the first 70 years of the 20th century. It is the only power station in NSW to retain in situ a full set of both structures and machinery from this period. (Design 5, 2004)
SHR Criteria b)
[Associative significance] 		White Bay Power Station has a rare ability to demonstrate once common and standard work practices of the early to middle 20th century which are now almost entirely discontinued through changes in technology and occupational health and safety. It is a rare surviving element in an area of Sydney which was once almost entirely dependent on such industries for its livelihood. (Design 5, 2004)
SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance] 		White Bay Power Station retains a broad range of spaces and elements including machinery, which are exceptional for their raw industrial aesthetic qualities. As an assemblage of structures the White Bay Power Station retains exceptional aesthetic value as an icon of early to mid 20th century industry, an important component of a rare group of harbour side industrial structures and a promiment marker in the cityscape signifying the entry point from the west. In particular the two chimney stacks are visible from many parts of the inner west and are a constant point of reference.
Its design and construction while typical for its time is now a rare surviving example of such industrial buildings and machinery complexes. It also demonstrates technological achievements of its time in the erection of the 1927 reinforced concrete structures and the 1958 boiler house, with its large area of steel framed and glazed curtain walling. (Design 5, 2004)
SHR Criteria d)
[Social significance] 		White Bay Power Station has strong and special associations and meanings for the local community, for former power station workers and for others who have used the site, and is of high social significance. It is a potent symbol of the area's industrial origins and working traditions, aspects of community identity that are strongly valued today by both older and new residents. It is one of few surviving features that provide this symbolic connection.
For former employees at White Bay Power Station, this place provides a link to their past working lives and evokes memories of people and events that remain important to them today. It represents the post-war period of power station operation, and through the retention of technologies, systems and machinery it has the ability to evoke this period and demonstrate the production methods and working conditions of the time.
White Bay Power Station is a widely recognised landmark, the most important surviving industrial signature building locally and the marker of the entry to the Balmain peninsula and its industrial harbour. It retains a powerful physical presence and industrial aesthetic. (Design 5, 2004)
SHR Criteria e)
[Research potential] 		As a now rare and intact surviving early 20th centruy industrial complex in the inner Sydney Harbour region and particularly in Balmain, White Bay Power Station contributes considerably to our understanding and appreciation of these areas and foreshores as formerly places of heavy industry and intense port activity.
As an early power station for the early 20th century tram and rail network, it was a vital component in the expansion and daily life of suburban Sydney.
White Bay Power Station contains a complete and in situ assemblage of machinery, spaces and elements comprising all the systems and processess for the generation of coal-fired electricity from the early to mid 20th century. This is the only surviving assemblage in NSW and it has the potential to yield information not found anywhere else in the State. (Design 5, 2004)
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity] 		As the only intact Power Station of its type left in NSW, with one complete power generating system retained in situ for conservation, its rarity is firmly established. (Design 5, 2004)
SHR Criteria g)
[Representativeness] 		Retaining as it does a complete system of steam turbine generation of electricity from burning of fossil fuel, the White Bay Power Station is highly representative of this generation of power station. Other modern power stations use similar technology, albeit more modern and efficient. White Bay represents that type of early electricity generating technology which required the building of power stations close to the customer. As a complex of structures, buildings and machinery, it demonstrates the full configuration and processes of an early to mid 20th century city power station. (Design 5, 2004)
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Recommended ManagementReview a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementWhite Bay Power Station CMP Jan 28 2004
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementA draft conservation managemnet plan has been submitted for endorsement. Mar 8 2012
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementRevised Conservation Management Plan Final Version submitted Sep 3 2013
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard Exemptions HERITAGE ACT 1977

ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL

I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977:

revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and

grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A.

This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette.

Dated this 29th day of October 2025
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC
Minister for Heritage

For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below. 		Nov 7 2025

PDF Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0101502 Apr 99 271546
State Environmental Planning PolicyCity West REP No. 26 - Sch. 41120 Oct 92 1259386
National Trust of Australia register White Bay Power Station10807   
Register of the National Estate - InterimWhite Bay Power Station019512   

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
Section 170 register199874Pacific Power  Yes

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
Written 2003White Bay power station 1919 - 1984 : an oral history / produced by Cinetel productions for the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. [video recording]
WrittenAnon.1930'An Australian Traction Plant' in The Power Engineer June 1930 edn.
WrittenBrain. O.W.1918ome notes on the Metropolitan Electric Power Supply of the NSW Railway Commissioners - Paper to the Electrical Association of NSW Section
Management Plan (HC endorsed)Design 5 Architects2004White Bay Power Station, Conservation Management Plan
WrittenElectricity Commission of NSW1952Annual report of the Electricty Commission of NSW for the period ended June 30
WrittenFarnik, P.1994White Bay Power Station: Chimney Stacks, Coal Plant, Ash Plant Assessment
WrittenFitzsimmons, Caitlin2021'Where thought bubbles go to die': White Bay's long history of failed ideas View detail
WrittenGodden Mackay1995The Industrial Heritage of Power Generation: A Framework for Heritage Management
WrittenGodden Mackay1990White Bay to Blackwattle Bay, Central to Eveleigh Heritage Study
WrittenGoddon and Associates1989The significance of White Bay and Balmain Power Stations to Sydney's Industrial Heritage
WrittenLeichhardt Municipal Council1994Leichardt Town Plan: Public Lands Public Benefit
WrittenMacSmith, James2022Future of White Bay Power Station secured - 'could be Sydney's answer to London's Tate Modern' View detail
WrittenNSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment2021Bays West draft Place Strategy View detail
WrittenNSW Government Railways and Tramways.1923Report of the Commissioners for the Year ended 30 June 1923. The Annual Report of the NSW Government Railways and Tramways.
WrittenO'Brien, Geraldine2003The power has flickered, but the future spark is lit (SMH 26/11/03)
WrittenO'Sullivan, Matt2022Leaked plans reveal ambitions of new development: on the waterfront
WrittenPollen, Frances (ed.) and Healy, Gerald1990'Rozelle' entry
WrittenState Projects (NSW Department of Public Works) White Bay Power Station: A Study of Preservation Works Necessary to retain the Heritage Fabric.
WrittenSuters Architects Snell1994White Bay Power Station Plan of Management: Adaptive Re-Use Study
WrittenWilliams, John2020Letter to the editor

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
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Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5001335
File number: S90/00306

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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