Community consultation sessions on the Defence Estate will begin in Tasmania next week as part of the Government’s nationwide response to the independent Defence Estate Audit.
“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," Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, stated.
The Audit, delivered in 2023 by Jan Mason and Jim Miller, undertook a comprehensive review of Australia’s Defence estate – including bases, training areas and rifle ranges – to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and provides the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the facilities and capabilities they need to keep Australia safe.
“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," Assistant Minister Khalil said.
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.
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.
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 sessions will commence in Tasmania next week, sessions in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Victoria are scheduled to take place in April. These sessions will build on ongoing, site-by-site engagement with Defence people, including cadets and reservists, which is already underway.