Arabic version: مستقبل ثكنات فيكتوريا في سيدني يواجه تساؤلات جديدة
According to The Guardian, the federal government has reversed plans to sell Sydney’s Victoria Barracks, Australia’s oldest active military site, after public outcry. The decision has renewed debate over the historic site’s future, management and upkeep.
The military is largely leaving the barracks, with most staff due to move to Defence Plaza in Sydney’s CBD before Christmas. The 13-hectare site has been used as a military facility since 1848 and includes a museum holding three Victoria Cross medals and the Gallipoli cloth, embroidered with the names of 3,000 soldiers.
RSL NSW president Vince Williams welcomed the decision not to sell, but said the organisation believes the barracks should remain operational. He said removing the military would have a negative impact on cadets and reservists, and questioned whether the defence estate audit had properly assessed the base’s strategic importance.
Defence minister Richard Marles said the government had audited its facilities and found Victoria Barracks was not central to defending Australia. He previously told parliament that securing the site as an ongoing defence location would cost $200m over 10 years. Defence said the transition and divestment would be managed carefully while preserving the site’s heritage, history and legacy.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the barracks would remain in public hands and be available for Sydneysiders to enjoy. Ownership will transfer from Defence to the Department of Finance, which will determine its future. Any non-military development would require rezoning, while questions remain over who would fund and manage the heritage-listed property.
