The Hon. Beverley McArthur, Member for the Western Victoria Region, has raised significant concerns about the Albanese Labor Government’s plan to permanently close 68 defence locations across Australia, including the historic Fort Queenscliff. This announcement has sparked a strong backlash from the local community, which is determined to protect its heritage.
For nearly 170 years, Fort Queenscliff has played a crucial role in the history and identity of the Bellarine Peninsula. The site is protected under Victoria’s planning, heritage, and coastal management framework. In response to the federal government’s decision, Mrs. McArthur took action by addressing the issue in the Victorian Parliament, demanding clarity and accountability regarding the closures.
Mrs. McArthur joined approximately 200 residents at a community rally organized by Senator Sarah Henderson. The rally aimed to oppose the federal government’s plan to sell this nationally significant heritage site. During the event, Mrs. McArthur expressed her solidarity with the local community, stating, “I stand with the entire community including Senator Henderson and Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Cr Donnie Grigau, to ensure that this site remains in public hands and remains accessible for cultural, education and tourism use.”
In her appeal, Mrs. McArthur has urged the Victorian Minister for Planning to support the community’s efforts to prevent any actions that could lead to inappropriate development or loss of public access to the site. The residents of Queenscliff are particularly concerned about the implications of the closures on their local culture and heritage.
The discussion surrounding Fort Queenscliff illustrates a broader issue of community engagement in heritage conservation. The pushback against the federal government’s plans highlights the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations. The local community remains committed to advocating for this significant landmark, emphasizing its educational and cultural value.
As the situation develops, it will be essential for both the state and federal governments to take the community’s concerns into account when making decisions regarding Fort Queenscliff and other heritage sites across the nation. The outcome of this campaign could set a precedent for how local communities engage with government decisions affecting their heritage and identity.
