Local military sites to be sold

THERE has been a mixed reaction to the Albanese Labor Government’s proposal to sell off military assets across the nation, with one user group hoping to buy the land it is using but Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson describing it as showing “contempt for our heritage, our region and Australia’s defence capability”.

Announced last week by Defence Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Corio Labor federal member Richard Marles, Labor’s response to the Defence Estate Audit includes divesting 64 sites across Australia.

These include Fort Queenscliff, the Geelong Air Force Cadet Unit in Newtown, Training Ship Barwon (leased) on the Geelong Waterfront and land on the western side of Swan Island in Queenscliff presently used by the Queenscliff Golf Club.

“While these properties have served us proudly, many are no longer fit-for-purpose and are constraining Defence’s ability to reposition to meet current and future requirements,” the audit states.

“It is very clear and widely acknowledged that Defence does not need and cannot afford all of the current estate.”

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said both the Queenscliff sites would “continue to have a place in our national story”.

“Swan Island will be partially divested and the government will engage with Queenscliff Golf Club on their use of land on the site.

“All significant buildings on the Fort Queenscliff site will be protected through existing heritage protections and community access will be increased. As part of the divestment process, Defence will engage key historical organisations and community groups to inform decisions on how we can preserve and enhance public access to sites such as the museum.”

The Queenscliff Golf Club was reportedly aware of the plan to divest the Swan Bay land well before last week’s announcement, with president Brad Teal reportedly messaging members to reveal the club had already been consulting with Coker and Golf Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland.

“Obviously, in time, we will know more, but I want to let all members and supporters of Queenscliff Golf Club know that we will work hard to achieve ownership of the site to protect the future of our club.”

Senator Henderson is firmly against the Fort Queenscliff divestment in particular, calling it a “fire sale”.

“This decision, without any consultation, shows contempt for our heritage, our region and Australia’s defence capability,

“The fort is deeply woven into the identity of Queenscliff and the Bellarine. Selling it off to the highest bidder opens the door to inappropriate development, which is a frightening prospect.”

She is convening a public meeting about the issue at the Queenscliff Recreation Reserve clubrooms this Sunday, February 15 at 136 Hesse Street, Queenscliff from noon to 1pm.

To register your attendance, head to events.humanitix.com/join-the-fight-to-save-fort-queenscliff