The plans also propose rehabilitating the two slipways on the western side into a public pool – which would likely require lining and a filtration system to ensure it was safe – as well as a spot for kayaks and other small vessels. Indigenous consultants also suggested introducing canoe building and use to support First Nations cultural practice.

The existing campground and cabins would be shifted from the northern side to a nearby headland to allow for the large waterfront park next to the pool. And Fitzroy Dock,which convicts spent years hollowing from the bedrock,would be drained to provide a stage for after-dark shows using light,projections and sound to detail the island’s history.

“We want to encourage people to come during the day,go kayaking or canoeing,spend some time in the park,go for a swim,do a guided tour,have a bite to eat,stay for the evening program and maybe stay overnight. That way,you reconnect Cockatoo Island back into the city,” Carding said.

Carding said the southern headland had been earmarked for a hotel,which the plans said remained a “long-term aspiration”. She said it would only be built “if the demand was there”.

About 230,000 people visited the island in 2022-23,which signalled a return to pre-pandemic numbers.

“The island could cope with two or maybe three times more people than we have now,and still feel very comfortable,” she said.

“We want the events to continue,but become the icing on the cake,rather than the main driver.”

The masterplan noted it set out the “full potential[for renewing the site],rather than what current funding permits,so future decisions on projects and staging can be made strategically”.

The draft plans are on exhibition for public feedback until December 13.

Earlier this year,the federal government allocated $45.2 million to the Trust to address a backlog of critical repairs at the nine sites it manages – particularly Cockatoo Island.

Carding said the repairs were under way to prevent the wharves,docks and sea walls from further deteriorating as the Trust worked on long-term plans for the site.

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