Australia To Keep Heritage Parts Of Four Defence Sites In Public Hands

Australia's government committed on 8th November to retaining the historic and heritage parts of four defence properties in public ownership while the military prepares to leave.

The joint ministerial release names Victoria Barracks in Sydney and Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Williams at Point Cook. Its commitment covers heritage sections, without guaranteeing public ownership of each whole property.

Defence will still vacate the sites. The government says community access will be a condition of the disposal process, with commercial opportunities also possible. Legal heritage protections already apply.

A firmer commitment on ownership

The Sydney decision addresses an issue the City of Sydney had raised earlier this year. Its 23rd February council resolution recorded a federal response describing heritage obligations as a possible condition of sale to future owners. The council sought a future use consistent with its own principles, which include retaining public ownership. Its principles also favour cultural and community uses alongside compatible commercial activity.

That record also reported 1,092 pieces of community feedback and strong support for greater access, green space and public ownership. Today's announcement makes public ownership of the heritage sections an explicit federal commitment.

Efforts to expand access also predate today's announcement. A separate 24th August council decision welcomed an existing federal programme intended to increase civilian use of Victoria Barracks. Its proposed activities included community gatherings and trials of alternative uses.