Arabic version: قيود التراث تحدّ من البيع المزمع لثكنات بيرث

According to ABC News, Defence Minister Richard Marles says the planned sale of Perth’s Irwin and Leeuwin barracks will not result in the sites being bulldozed for housing. The properties sit in sought-after residential areas, but heritage overlays will restrict the extent of any future development.

Mr Marles told 102.5 ABC Perth that the sales remain some way off. They will not proceed until cadets and army reservists using the sites have moved to an alternative location. He said the broader exercise was intended to make the Defence estate more fit for purpose, with better sites for reservists and cadets in Perth.

Irwin Barracks covers 61.5 hectares in Perth’s western suburbs, while Leeuwin Barracks occupies 14 hectares on the Swan riverfront at East Fremantle. Both locations require remediation and preparation before being transferred to the Department of Finance, which will manage their sale.

Mr Marles said he could not say whether expressions of interest had been received or what the sites might be worth. He said the heritage protections would remain in place and suggested that many heritage areas could become more accessible to the public. Defence is also working with the WA RSL branch on consulting over moving some activity to Palmer Barracks in South Guildford.