New taskforce to consult community

More details have emerged about the new taskforce regarding the proposed sale of Fort Queenscliff, with the intention to gather a range of views from across the community.

There has been some community opposition to the Labor government’s plan to divest some of its defence assets across Australia, with the list of sites to be sold including the Geelong Air Force Cadet Unit in Newtown and land on the western side of Swan Island in Queenscliff.

According to the Defence Estate Audit, “it is very clear and widely acknowledged that Defence does not need and cannot afford all of the current estate”.

At a community meeting she organised on 15 February, Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said a taskforce would be formed in response to the government’s proposal, and Donnie Grigau would lead it.

This week, Grigau said he was on the taskforce in a personal capacity, not as a Borough of Queenscliffe councillor or mayor.

“We’re going to consult with the community so everybody has a clear idea what goes on, and what can we do that’s best for the town, best for the museum, and the future,” he said.

“That’s my style – making sure there’s no secret deals and making sure we have proper public consultation because it hasn’t been done.”

He said the people of Queenscliff and the wider borough valued their heritage.

“I’m just here to represent the community and give them a voice,” Grigau said.

“The council has not come to a position [on the proposal], even the fort museum hasn’t come to a position on it.

“You shouldn’t shoot from the hip because this is a very important decision that will somewhat change the town.

“The locals are really upset because they haven’t been consulted.”

Senator Henderson is organising a protest outside the fort this Sunday 1 March at noon.

In a video message posted on social media on 14 February, Corangamite Labor federal member, Libby Coker, said there would be consultation about the sale.

“If you’re a local, you will soon receive a letter from me outlining the process ahead with an opportunity for you to have your say,” she said.

On Wednesday this week, Coker said “communications would go to locals across Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale with details of engagement sessions with Defence officials” but did not specify when these communications would be sent.

“Fort Queenscliff will be protected and community access to the facility will be enhanced,” she said.

“Any divestment of Fort Queenscliff would only go ahead if the purchaser agreed to adhere to the robust heritage protections that are already in place.”