‘Promise of presence’ saves Fort Queenscliff

KIM WATERS
A defence department promise to maintain an “equal or greater” presence has secured the future of Fort Queenscliff, according to a council spokesperson.
The Borough of Queenscliffe spokesperson said parliamentary secretary for defence David Feeney had promised Mayor Bob Merrieman the military would stay in town after its Soldier Career Management Agency left the fort next year.
An announcement last year that the agency would leave had sparked fears for the future of the historic fort.
The spokesperson said council was waiting to find out the identity of the next military tenants.
“We don’t know what it is. It could be army, navy, air force or SAS, we’ve got no idea, but we’ve been assured by the Federal Government of an equal or greater presence than now.”
The spokesperson said councillors were “happy” with the promise.
“The Defence Department is the biggest employer in the borough, with over 448 people at the fort. It’s an important part of the community, as obviously all those people live in the area and contribute to the local economy.”
A defence department spokesperson said the decision to move the career management agency to Canberra to would “improve the way defence does business”.
The relocation was a cost-cutting exercise, the spokesperson said.
“Options are being considered to relocate other defence organisations to Fort Queenscliff and once a business case is developed for each, affected staff and representatives will be consulted in accordance with the defence enterprise certified agreement.
“It is expected the review will be completed mid-year, following which it is planned that a government-appointed independent commission will consider defence’s recommendations.
“It is intended that the commission will conduct public consultation before reporting back to the government.”
The agency moved to Fort Queenscliff in 2001 after the sudden closure of the fort’s defence command and staff college.