HMAS Penguin and the Angophora forest is under threat
Headland Preservation Group (HPG) and Mosman Parks & Bushland Association (MPBA) oppose the sale of any part of HMAS Penguin to private interests.
The public meeting held at the Mosman Club, Thursday evening, 21 May 2026, was attended by an estimated 500 people with many turned away when the venue reached capacity.
If sold to private interests,
this land will be lost to the public forever.
HMAS Penguin at Middle Head is one of Australia’s most important harbour landscapes, known for its natural, cultural, and heritage values. This Commonwealth Heritage-listed site features key WWII naval buildings and a magnificent Angophora forest. This forest is part of a network of public headland parks that shape the harbour’s beauty and identity, attracting millions of Australians and visitors every year.
ABOVE: The shaded area designated for sale at HMAS Penguin on Middle Head, surrounded by National Park, the Harbour Trust Headland Park and adjoining Balmoral Beach and Oval.
The Federal Government is planning to sell part of this site, including parts of the heritage area and the Angophora forest. This proposal carries considerable risks. Due to the prime harbour location, a sale at market value would likely result in luxury housing rather than meaningful public benefit. If sold to private interests, it will be lost to the public forever. The community would permanently lose access to an irreplaceable environmental and cultural asset.
If the site is not retained by Defence a clear and proven alternative exists. The land should remain in public ownership and be transferred to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. This approach would ensure ongoing conservation, public access, and sensitive reuse, consistent with the successful approach that has protected much of Sydney Harbour’s foreshores. This land must be preserved for future generations rather than sold for short-term gain.
How you can help
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news about the proposed sale of HMAS Penguin
A recent ABC News report focuses on the Federal Government’s plan to divest HMAS Penguin. The story notes that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously opposed the sale of Sydney Harbour foreshore land.