Functions

This site is approximately 10 km from Melbourne central business district. Defence Site Maribyrnong was historically used for a range of explosives manufacturing, laboratory research and equipment and material testing between its establishment in 1908 and closure in 2005. This site is currently undergoing divestment.

Defence Site Maribyrnong was added to the public divestment list in 2010. This site has been vacant since 2006.

In January 2022, a fire incident damaged 25 buildings and 25 hectares of land. Defence has increased fire management strategies on the site following the incident.

Many security incidents including unauthorised access and theft requiring attendance by emergency services resulting in annual security costs doubling in recent years.

Address

150 Cordite Avenue
Maribyrnong VIC 3032

Size

127 hectares

History and heritage

The Australian Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections, including museums. Properties on the Commonwealth Heritage List have protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Government has an obligation to protect the Commonwealth Heritage Value of a property as part of any sale. Alternative heritage management options will also be considered.

There is one Commonwealth Heritage Listing for Defence Site Maribyrnong. Several of the buildings and features on the site are included in the listing.

Options will be explored with future owners to manage heritage obligations as a condition of sale. Retention of some structures is likely to be required including industrial, administration and storage buildings, roads and blast mounds.

Community engagement will inform decisions on preserving and enhancing heritage presentation and public access.

Factsheet

Defence Site Maribyrnong estate audit factsheet (PDF, 140.79 KB)