DEFENCE ESTATE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Community consultation session will be held in Glenbrook on Monday 6 May on the divestment of the RAAF Glenbrook Base, as part of the Albanese Government’s nationwide response to the independent Defence Estate Audit.
The Audit was a comprehensive review of Australia’s Defence estate – including bases, training areas and rifle ranges – to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and provides our Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the facilities and capabilities they need to keep Australians safe.
Following careful consideration of the Audit’s recommendations, the Government released its response last month. Community consultation sessions have been identified as a key part of the implementation process, with local community organisations, key stakeholders and the broader public invited to provide input on the proposed divestment of 67 sites, including RAAF Glenbrook.
The consultation process will support discussions about how surplus Defence land can best deliver benefits for surrounding communities, reaffirm protections for history and heritage –including through the Environment Protections and Biodiversity Conservation Act – and capture the broad range of views from the community.
Many of these Defence sites have served Australia proudly, hold great sentimental value, and are a reminder of our past sacrifices and achievements. The Government recognises the emotional attachment that current and former Defence personnel, as well as local communities, have to the history of our Defence Force.
That’s why the Albanese Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections, ensuring Australians can continue to recognise and celebrate our proud military history.
The community consultation sessions will also provide an opportunity for the public and interested parties to better understand the Department of Finance’s role in managing the divestment process.
While consultation information sessions have commenced in across the country, these sessions will build on ongoing, site-by-site engagement with Defence personnel, including cadets and reservists, which is already underway.
Further information on the planned community consultation sessions, including dates, locations and participation, is available at: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/delivering-future-estate/defence-estate-audit-community-information-sessions
A full list of sites selected for divestment is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/delivering-future-estate
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
“Australia’s Defence estate is the largest property portfolio in the country. Implementing the independent Audit’s recommendations will ensure our bases and training areas are fit-for- purpose in a rapidly changing world.
“As these community information sessions occur, we look forward to hearing directly from communities about how the Defence estate can best support Australia’s security while also strengthening the regions in which Defence operates.
“By engaging directly with communities across the country in the months ahead, we can ensure the Defence estate is modern, efficient and positioned to support the ADF well into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:
“Glenbrook RAAF has been an important part of our Blue Mountains community for more than 75 years. Over those years it's been the home and workplace for many RAAF personnel, so this is a big change and there will be mixed feelings.
“In addition to discussions with State and local government, it’s important to get feedback and ideas from the wider community.
“There are potential opportunities for additional housing, for public sport and recreational use and tourism.
“The Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and I would expect we would ultimately see greater public access to this unique and iconic site”.
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