Heritage group wants certainty on Queenscliff Fort’s future

The Fort Queenscliff Heritage Association wants the future of the historic site settled sooner rather than later, warning a lengthy transition could leave the fort vulnerable while it sits vacant.

The call comes as the federal government continues consultation on the planned divestment of Fort Queenscliff, one of several former Defence sites earmarked for sale.

The federal government announced in February that Fort Queenscliff would be divested after a Defence review found it was no longer required.

The process is expected to take two to three years because of the site’s heritage significance and complexity.

Association president Bruce Murray said the greatest concern was what would happen between Defence leaving the site and a new owner taking over.

“How long will it be with [the Department of] Finance, what will happen to the fort during that period of time, will it be maintained, how long will it take to find a respective buyer and if not, what is the process of it being retained in the Commonwealth?” he said.

“It’s that unknown piece in the middle there… we’d like to see the outcome brought forward.

“The longer you leave it vacated, you run the risk of vandalism here, which is the last thing we need.”

The association believes establishing a heritage trust, similar to those managing Point Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula and Fort Scratchley in Newcastle, would provide the best long-term protection for the site while improving public access.

“That would protect the heritage but it also leaves it open to public access – for us to take tours, for example,” association secretary Bob Marmion said.

Despite the federal government’s commitment to protect 93 per cent of the fort’s historic elements, Marmion said uncertainty remained about what protections would apply once the site passed into private ownership.

Corangamite MP Libby Coker said expressions of interest had opened for an advisory panel to help guide the divestment process.

“It will be made up of local stakeholders who will consult directly with the community and hear from relevant experts and provide recommendations,” she said.

“I’m absolutely committed to getting the best outcome, which means protecting the fort’s heritage, greater public access and ensuring an enduring and positive legacy.”

The fort’s future will also be scrutinised during a Senate inquiry into the management of defence assets, which will hold a public hearing in Queenscliff on 24 August.

The planned sale also continues to draw opposition from the Coalition, which has pledged to retain Fort Queenscliff and nearby Swan Island in Commonwealth ownership.

Shadow defence minister James Paterson said Defence no longer requiring or being able to afford the sites it is divesting did not justify their sale.

“[The fort] is an incredibly important community asset and an incredibly important part of our history,” he said.

“Serious countries don’t go around selling their military heritage to the highest bidder.”

Geelong-based Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said she wanted to see greater public access to the fort through arts, education and cultural events.

“We do not trust this government and we are determined to do everything we can to stop [its sale],” she said.