In September 2002, the derelict site was returned to public ownership after compulsory purchase for 24 million by the NSW Government. Caltex had planned to sell the site to the Walker Corporation for development of residential units. A legal dispute ensued over the amount paid for the purchase but an initial win by the developers was overturned by the NSW Court of Appeal. Significant community support for public ownership had occurred with the activist group "Save Ballast Point", which was formed in 1984, claiming to have in excess of 500 members.