Queenscliff golf course gains unlikely national security status

THE Queenscliff Golf Club is unlikely to be sold off under the federal government’s defence land divestment, with its location near Swan Island giving it strategic significance.

Bordering the Swan Island Training Area – which hosts sensitive military and security activities – the site is considered too important to fall into private hands.

Assistant defence minister Peter Khalil made the comments during a community session in Queenscliff last week, where residents raised concerns about the future of defence land in the region.

He said the club’s proximity to the training area made its future as a golf course “more than likely”.

“Because of that sensitivity and the national security elements of that, the golf club is likely – well, more than likely – to remain as a golf club, as a golf course,” he said.

“In some respects – and I was joking around about this earlier today – it has become a national security imperative for everyone to continue to play golf. “Are you a golfer? Thank you for your service.”

Khalil added the remark was made in jest, but said the site’s importance should not be underestimated.

“This is a really important site for our national security and for our nation,” he said. “It shouldn’t be discussed lightly.”

The discussion also turned to the future of local defence-linked organisations. Lucy Croxford, of Australian Air Force Cadets 429 Squadron based at Fort Queenscliff, asked whether a purpose-built facility would be provided on the Bellarine Peninsula if the unit was relocated.

Khalil said a multi-user depot was planned for Geelong, but acknowledged travel distances could be a barrier for some cadets.

“We will be ensuring that the cadet units – even if they’re small ones, if they have to travel too far, they’re regional – we’ll make sure that they have the facilities leased at community halls and schools that gives them the opportunity to continue,” he said.

Borough of Queenscliffe councillor Isabelle Tolhurst also asked whether any future uses of Fort Queenscliff were off the table.

In response, Khalil said any proposal that would damage or undermine the site’s heritage-listed buildings or key features would not be permitted.

Department of Defence deputy secretary for security and estate Celia Perkins said the fort remained zoned as defence land, with its future zoning to depend on the eventual owner, such as the Victorian government or a trust.

The federal government is consulting on plans to offload 64 defence sites nationwide it says are no longer required.