Arabic version: أفراد ثكنات فيكتوريا يستعدون للانتقال قبل عيد الميلاد

According to ABC News, Defence personnel at Sydney’s Victoria Barracks have begun packing ahead of a planned move before Christmas, despite NSW Premier Chris Minns urging the federal government to reconsider selling the historic Paddington site.

The 176-year-old Australian Army base is among 67 underused or vacant Defence properties earmarked for sale under a national initiative prompted by an independent audit. The program, which also includes HMAS Penguin on Sydney’s Middle Head, is expected to generate up to $3 billion in revenue.

About 500 people occupy the 13-hectare barracks, including army commands and support units. Under the relocation plan, most personnel are to move to Randwick Barracks, while others will temporarily relocate to Defence Plaza Sydney, a commercial office tower in the CBD about 2 kilometres from Victoria Barracks.

Minns described the proposed sale as a “big missed opportunity” and said the barracks should remain in government hands and continue to be used by the Australian Defence Force. His call followed a weekend rally where thousands of protesters, joined by figures from across the political spectrum, opposed the sale.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said Victoria Barracks was not fundamental to national defence and would require a $200 million bill over the next decade to maintain as a Defence site. He said every building would be protected if the property were sold. The Defence Department said it expected the majority of personnel to leave the site before the end of 2026.