Federal Government cops backlash over sale of Maribyrnong defence site

THE Federal Government has been slammed for listing the suburb-sized defence site in Maribyrnong for sale, despite remediation works not yet being complete.

The former Defence site in Maribyrnong is officially on the market.

THE Federal Government has been slammed for listing the suburb-sized defence site in Maribyrnong for sale, despite remediation works not yet being complete.

The 128ha site is bigger than nearby Seddon.

The Defence Department had to undertake remediation works as Environmental Protection Authority testing revealed the site was contaminated with tox­ins.

MARIBYRNONG DEFENCE SITE UP FOR SALE

STATE GOVERNMENT VOICES CONCERN OVER DEFENCE SITE

DEFENCE LAND ACROSS AUSTRALIA ON THE MARKET

Earmarked for sale since early last year, it was officially put on the market for registrations of interest on October 18. It’s understood the successful developer will now have to undertake final remediation on the site.

Friends of Maribyrnong Valley president Judy Ingram said the Government promised the site would be cleaned up before being sold to a developer.

“In meetings we were told the site would be cleaned up before being sold,” she said.

“I’m concerned that all these toxins are going to leach into the Maribyrnong River because the developer will only do the bare minimum when it comes to the clean-up.”

But a Defence spokesperson said the sale process had been designed to ensure the selected purchaser could remediate the site and recognise its rich history.

“The majority of remaining contaminants across the site are more common contaminants like asbestos, fuel residue and heavy metals. The property development industry is well-placed to undertake fit-for-purpose remediation of brownfield urban development sites.”

The site had been used for military purposes, including the manufacture of explosives and propellants and as a centre for research laboratories.

The developer who purchases the site will have to undertake final remediation.

Industry sources have indicated it could sell for about $300 million.

CoreLogic’s head of real estate Geoff White said the site’s size and location, close to the CBD, made it attractive.

“It will be pretty sought-after real estate,” he said.

“It’s a suburb in itself, virtually. And in time, it’s obviously going to transform that area of Melbourne.”

Only developers with a track record in large-scale urban development and heritage protection, and with significant financial backing to buy and remediate the site, are expected to be involved in the purchasing process.

Registrations of interest in the Maribyrnong site are to close at 3pm on November 19.

A sale is not expected to be finalised until late 2020.

MORE NEWS

FOOTSCRAY STATION GETS NEW TECHNOLOGY

BIKE WORKSHOP FACES EVICTION