The proposed divestment of HMAS Penguin raises serious concerns about the potential loss of public land and the decline of heritage and environmental values. Selling parts of a significant Commonwealth-listed site risks damaging heritage and environmental values and opening the door to inappropriate development.
There is a lack of clarity about which areas are proposed for sale, creating uncertainty about the impacts on both the heritage buildings and the Angophora forest. There is also concern that any sale, particularly on such a premium harbour site, is unlikely to deliver genuine public benefit, such as affordable housing, and may instead result in exclusive, high-end development.
Once land of this significance is sold, it is lost to the public forever.
Read HPG’s submission tot he Senate Inquiry: Management of Defence estate assets here ➞