Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to speak about the Defence estate audit and what it means for Fort Queenscliff and parts of Swan Island in my electorate of Corangamite. I am so fortunate to have these sites in my region—places with incredible histories, sites that are loved by our communities. Like my communities, I share a passion for these sites and want to see them protected and celebrated, with greater access for all Australians.

Fort Queenscliff is more than 160 years old. It is iconic. It is part of our defence history. It was home to many defence personnel, bringing vibrancy and economic benefit to the town of Queenscliff. While it will remain a significant part of our nation's heritage, it no longer serves to benefit Defence in our defence capability. This being said, the heritage elements within the fort will continue to be protected into the future. This is non-negotiable, and it will apply to the magnificent red-brick exterior walls, the black signal tower and the Army barracks, alongside many other key buildings and features on the site.

On top of this, we will work with the community on how we best increase visitation to the site, including the museum. Any divestment will mean that whoever decides to purchase the land must treat the site with care, respect and a demonstrable focus on preservation and increasing public access. Currently, the fort only holds tours twice a week, with 35 spots available for each session. Outside of those times, the gates are shut and the community is kept out. This will change for the better through this process. Let me be crystal clear; a purchaser will need to adhere to strict heritage protections, and community access will be enhanced. The whole idea that the fort could be pulled down is an absolute furphy. There is so much misinformation flying around, and it's not constructive. The fort cannot be bulldozed and turned into a supermarket, as some peddlers of misinformation have suggested. Heritage buildings cannot just be torn down.

These are just two ridiculous examples that have been peddled by people who should know better. I urge those people to take instead a commonsense, rational approach, where we work constructively to protect the heritage assets while embracing tourism and the economic benefit that could well come from opening the doors of the fort more often. I have to be abundantly clear that this divestment process will uphold all relevant obligations, including under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Likewise, the land at Swan Island that is currently home to the Queenscliff Golf Club will not be subject to inappropriate development. Any such outlandish suggestions are just another attempt to sow fear. The golf club will continue to be consulted. They have been kept in the loop, and they have had an opportunity to feed into the process.

My message to locals is this. Divestment will not happen overnight. Engagement sessions are set to take place, and I will let you know when and where they will happen. The heritage assets will be protected and respected, and community access will be much better than it is now.

I'd like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister, the Assistant Minister for Defence and all Defence officials who have played a key role in getting us to this point. The Defence estate asset audit sets up our ADF for the future while honouring the past. It acknowledges Defence is not a heritage management administrator. It recognises that our historical sites must remain accessible to community, and, notably, heritage assets must be protected. It sets the foundation for an increase in funding for defence capability. And it's good economic management, with the potential to increase visitation and economic benefit.

There's much water to pass under the bridge, but I will work with and for communities to get the best outcome possible. That's my commitment—to work constructively alongside the community, listening and ensuring our history is accessible, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy and cherish.

House adjourned at 20:00

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