Defence regularly reviews property assets to ensure current and future capability requirements are being met.

When a Defence property is no longer required it is declared as surplus to Defence requirements by the Minister for Defence, and referred to Department of Finance’s Property Clearing House. The Clearing House process allows other Commonwealth entities the opportunity to identify and acquire surplus assets for alternative government use before they are made available to the open market.

Commonwealth-owned property is disposed of in accordance with the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy and the Lands Acquisition Act 1989. This process ensures transparency, value for money and alignment with broader government prioritise.

As part of the disposal process, Defence undertakes due diligence activities in line with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The environmental assessment findings are made available to potential buyers.

Sale proceeds are reinvested to enhance Defence capability, directly contributing to the delivery of priorities under Defence’s Integrated Investment Program.

Sale methods

• Open market – Properties with no alternative government use are sold on the open market at full market value, unless otherwise approved. These properties are available to any individual or business eligible to purchase property in Australia.
• Off market non-concessional – Direct sales at market value to local, state or territory governments. This requires approval from the Minister for Finance.
• Off market concessional – Concessional off-market sales offer direct discounts to local, state and territory governments that support public outcomes. This requires Minister of Finance approval and are subject to a Security or Purpose Deed.
• Land swap – Transfer of land between Commonwealth state, territory or local governments that support shared policy objectives. These arrangements require approval from the Minister for Finance before negotiations can commence.

Current disposals

Defence is progressing a range of disposal projects.

There are also several current disposal projects that form part of the Defence Estate Audit recommendations. More information can be found on the Delivering the future estate page links below:

• Stokes Hill Fuel Installation, NT
• Strathmuir, QLD
• Londonderry Transmitting Station, NSW
• Penrith Training Depot, NSW
• Defence Site Maribyrnong, VIC
• Pialligo South, ACT