Sixty-eight Defence sites have been flagged for divestment as part of a major estate reset to align infrastructure with future Australian Defence Force capability.

The decision followed an independent audit commissioned after the 2023 Defence Strategic Review.

The audit found underused and ageing facilities were diverting resources from operational readiness and future capability.

All 20 recommendations from the review were accepted, or accepted in principle.

After assessing impacts on capability, personnel and communities, the Australian Government agreed to fully divest 64 sites, partially divest three and retain one.

Three sites – Magnetic Island and Garbutt in Queensland, and Haberfield Training Depot in NSW – have been divested since the audit’s commissioning.

Partial divestments will occur at HMAS Penguin in NSW, Warradale Barracks in South Australia, and RAAF Base Williams, Victoria, while Pittwater Annex in NSW will be retained in full.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said a modern Defence estate was critical to ADF operations.

“In order for the Australian Defence Force to protect our nation and keep Australians safe, it must have a Defence estate that meets its operational and capability needs,” Mr Marles said.

“For many years this has not been the case, with many Defence sites vacant, decaying, underutilised and costing millions of dollars to maintain.”

The Department of Finance will manage the divestment program, including remediation and property disposal.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the approach would ensure sites identified by the audit sold at market value.

“Importantly, proceeds will be reinvested in key Defence priorities,” Ms Gallagher said.

Heritage values and public access will be preserved at historically significant sites during the divestment process.

First Assistant Secretary Estate Transformation, Security and Estate Group Peter West held several information sessions nationwide this month to consult personnel.

For more information, visit the Delivering the Future Estate page.