Defence Department takes Glebe Island ‘war’ to next level

The Defence Department has left the NSW Government to think twice after confirming Glebe Island port is a valuable asset for the Royal Australian Navy.

The Defence Department has entered the war over plans to scuttle Glebe Island port by confirming the facility is a valuable asset for the Royal Australian Navy.

Industry and business leaders desperate to save the harbour’s last working port have pleaded with the NSW Government not to shut down the waterfront operation and replace it with high-rise apartments.

Despite their warnings that closing the port will create significant economic fallout, key stakeholders remain concerned they have yet to convince the Minns Government to keep the status quo.

But in the latest and potentially most explosive twist to a long-running saga, the government now faces impacting naval activities if it moves to wipe out the maritime hub.

A Navy ship in port at Garden Island. Picture: Damian Shaw

A report from consultancy firm Urbis last month claimed Glebe Island could be crucial to national security if Australia confronted future military conflicts or a natural disaster.

“Glebe Island’s location offers quick access to central Sydney, which could be vital for disaster response, military mobilisation, or law enforcement in the face of maritime threats,” the report read.

“Without a functioning port, logistical challenges would arise for emergency maritime operations, such as deploying Australian Defence Force assets...”

Asked to comment on the report, a Defence Department spokesman told The Daily Telegraph: “The Royal Australian Navy uses the port facilities at Glebe Island and White Bay to berth Navy and other Defence vessels.

“Berthing capacity is one of the most critical considerations for Navy in Sydney Harbour. The Garden Island Defence Precinct in Sydney is the only home port for Navy’s largest vessels on the east coast of Australia.”

A report from consultancy firm Urbis last month claimed: “Glebe Island’s location offers quick access to central Sydney, which could be vital for disaster response.” Picture: John Appleyard

Glebe Island provides alternative berthing facilities when Garden Island reaches full capacity, usually during military exercises and operations.

Visits by foreign naval vessels, or upgrades and maintenance at Garden Island, can also trigger the need to utilise Glebe Island.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Navy and the NSW Government have discussed the Glebe Island issue twice – late last year and again early in 2025.

A spokesman for the NSW Government confirmed the talks.

“The NSW Government has consulted with the Royal Australian Navy along with a range of other stakeholders while carrying out the review of the Bays West precinct,” he said.

“The government will have more to say when the review is complete. No decisions have been made.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou, a member of the Working Port Coalition, said: “National security has never been more important and Defence’s position should put to rest any thought of closing Sydney Harbour’s last remaining deepwater port.

Paul Nicolaou, a member of the Working Port Coalition, said: “National security has never been more important and Defence’s position should put to rest any thought of closing Sydney Harbour’s last remaining deepwater port.” Picture: Gaye Gerard

“In an era of increasing regional tensions, every operational berth is a strategic asset – without them, Defence’s capacity to respond swiftly to crises, protect trade routes and support national security would be compromised.”

The Urbis report also suggested the NSW housing crisis could worsen if the government closed down Glebe Island port because it played “a unique role” in the construction materials supply chain.

Originally published as Defence Department takes Glebe Island ‘war’ to next level