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The Australian Government has announced it will retain Victoria Barracks Sydney and Victoria Barracks Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Williams Point Cook in Victoria in public hands due to recent public backlash but will continue to vacate the sites.
Divestment and vacation of the four sites in particular had received significant public criticism, with the government releasing its first update on the Defence Estate Audit in response over the weekend. Australian War Memorial will be engaged to help interpret and tell the history of the four sites to the public.
The Government had previously agreed to divest or partially divest 67 sites that were underutilised by Defence, not fit-for-purpose, and costly for Defence to maintain.
Defence has now reportedly transferred 11 sites to the Department of Finance for divestment, and the remaining sites are progressing towards transfer.
Defence will vacate each of these sites and hand them over to the Department of Finance as soon as practicable. By the end of 2026 Defence will have relocated the workforce from a total of six sites to suitable, alternative locations.
“I can announce that Victoria Barracks will be free for all Sydneysiders to enjoy, and it will remain in public hands. This will give an assurance to the public that the heritage at this site is vital, that it be not just maintained, but indeed enhanced,” according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking at a press conference at Victora Barracks Sydney on November 8.
“And that is why we'll engage as well with the Australian War Memorial to make sure that there's proper recognition for the important history of this site.
“I've lived in Sydney my whole life, and this is the first time I've been to Victoria Barracks. And most Sydneysiders have not been to this beautiful site and have not availed themselves of the opportunity to see the history that has been made here over such a long period of time.
“This is an asset for Sydney that should be opened up for Sydneysiders. And at the same time, we should make sure, of course, this is all heritage listed, so it was always going to be preserved for parts of it, including some of the roads here that are heritage listed as well.
“This is one of four defence sites out of the 67 that were identified by the review into the Defence Estate that will be kept in public ownership. The other three being Fort Queenscliff, Point Cook, that's part of RAAF Williams, and the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. We think this is absolutely critical.
“Importantly, the estate that was examined was about in what way are assets helping to do the primary purpose of Defence, to defend our nation, and that is why we want to maximise every single dollar that Defence has into giving support to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, and to make sure that our force posture, as well, is appropriate.”
HMAS Penguin in Mosman in Sydney, previously identified for partial divestment, will be retained in part and the remaining site of the Angophora Forest to be transferred to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which will be responsible for its stewardship.
Stokes Hill Fuel Installation in the Northern Territory will be transferred back to the Larrakia people, the traditional owners of the lands. The southern portion of the site is a registered sacred site and is protected by the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 2012.
Divestment pathways are being explored for Kowandi North to support the delivery of more housing in Darwin.
Fairbairn Golf Course in ACT and Swan Island Golf Course in VIC will continue operating as golf courses and will explore divestment pathways.
Carlton Training Depot (VIC), Geelong (Air Force Cadet Unit – VIC), Kyneton Depot (VIC) to all be listed on the open market in early 2027.
Bathurst Training Stores Depot (NSW) with open-market process to commence in 2027, Sandringham Training Depot (VIC) with open-market process to commence at the end of 2027 and Scottsdale – Defence Nutrition Site (TAS) with open-market process to commence during the third quarter of 2027.
“Some welcome news today that we’ve forced Anthony Albanese to overrule his Defence Minister Richard Marles and cancel Labor’s plans to sell off Victoria Barracks Sydney, Victoria Barracks Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Williams Point Cook,” according to a public statement from Leader of the Opposition, Angus Taylor.
“Congratulations to all Australians and every veteran who fought for this victory to protect our history, our heritage, and our vital defence bases.
“But this is only the beginning. Many more questions remain, including whether these sites will remain active Defence facilities.
“The Liberals and Nationals will continue the fight to keep these sites in Defence’s hands, and to save other sites including HMAS Penguin, Lancer Barracks, Irwin Barracks and more.
“This was never about modernising the Defence estate - it was just another smash and grab for revenue by a Prime Minister who can’t manage money and can’t control his spending.”
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