I support in principle the Federal Government’s rationalisation of the Defence estate. Governments have long been too timid in dealing with surplus Defence land and assets, and the reforms announced today are largely warranted. The Government must however be open to public feedback, because changing how land is used, and where Defence personnel are employed, will affect local communities.
It is very good news that the future of Anglesea Barracks in Hobart has been secured and more money is to be invested in the site, as confirmed by the Defence Minister in response to a question from me today in the Parliament. Although the Government has announced the closure of Derwent Barracks in Hobart’s northern suburbs, the upside promises to be the release of a very large parcel of land that could be used for housing and other desperately needed infrastructure.
We still need to see the details for the Derwent Barracks closure and the plan for relocation of the limited ADF presence. To that end, I have already started a conversation with the Assistant Defence Minister who has committed to continuing to share information with me as it comes to hand.