Functions

Located approximately 1km from Brisbane central business district, Victoria Barracks Brisbane accommodates office-based functions and the Army Museum of South East Queensland.

This site predominantly provides office space to support capability management, service delivery and museum. Government will engage with existing tenants as part of the divestment process.

Address

Petrie Terrace
Brisbane QLD 4000

Size

2.7 hectares

Occupants

• Australian Defence Force personnel: 10–50
• Australian Public Service personnel: 50–100
• Australian Defence Force Reserves: <10

People are and will remain Defence's most important capability. The Defence Estate Audit recommendations will enhance Defence work environments, ensuring our estate is a key point of attraction and is fit-for-purpose for both current and future members of the workforce. These improvements will strengthen the overall appeal of working for Defence.

Relocation

Australian Defence Force personnel including Reserves will relocate to Gallipoli Barracks, 8km away. Australian Public Service personnel (and Australian Defence Force if attached to those units) will relocate to office accommodation in Brisbane central business district.

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, including:

• Retention of heritage elements.
• Adaptive reuse of sites to preserve heritage facades and certain characteristics of the buildings.
• Relocation and/or restoration of remaining buildings to preserve heritage values.
• Archival recordings of buildings.

The site is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage Register and includes 17 heritage-listed buildings, the Parade Ground, a sandstone boundary wall, and a historic tennis court, along with military assets and culturally significant collections and structures.

The Army Museum South Queensland offers only limited access through guided tours, available on three Wednesdays each month from 9:30am to 12:15pm.

Subject to the divestment process, the Army Museum may relocate to Gallipoli Barracks or remain onsite.

Several heritage retaining walls are failing or have already failed due to age and the methods of construction. Significant maintenance, remediation, safety and security works across heritage buildings have been undertaken.

Completed works included a full roof and drainage system replacement, including flashings and walkways; remediation of rising and lateral damp; mortar joint repairs and timber restoration; repainting internal and external surfaces; minor asbestos removal; fire safety and Building Code compliance upgrades; and replacement of electrical and CCTV infrastructure.

The Government will also explore partnerships with heritage organisations and trusts to support heritage protection strategies.

Options will be explored with future owners to manage heritage obligations as a condition of sale.

By ensuring historically significant sites and collections remain accessible to the community, we help foster understanding of Defence’s history, recognise the service and sacrifice of our people, and strengthen connection between the Australian Defence Force, the nation it serves, and the local communities we work within.

Factsheet

Victoria Barracks Brisbane estate audit factsheet (PDF, 144.66 KB)