Calls to fix ‘neglected’ historic defence site Fort Queenscliff

Queenscliff residents are calling on the Defence Department to fix a historic site they say has been left in disrepair for decades.

Queenscliff Community Association president David Connoley, left and Point Lonsdale Civic Association president David Kenwood point out the state of disrepair at the Queenscliff Fort. Picture: Alison Wynd

Queenscliff residents are calling on the Defence Department to repair a historic site they say is in “disrepair” and affecting the seaside town’s quaint feel.

Fort Queenscliff is a Commonwealth Heritage-listed site managed by the department.

Queenscliff Community Association (QCA) president David Connoley said the group had some months ago become concerned by its “state of disrepair”, particularly at the historic site’s signal station and former training building Blamey Hall.

Mr Connoley said the group had reached out to the Defence Department, as well as federal and local MPs, but there had been no formal response, with only Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson acknowledging the concern.

“The whole mantra of Queenscliff is that it’s heritage,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean it has to be spick and span, periodic maintenance is all we’re expecting.”

Disrepair at the Queenscliff Fort. Picture: Alison Wynd

Building at Fort Queenscliff first began in the 1860s, and was operational as a service staff college until the historical Army’s Soldier Career Management Agency took over in 2001.

Today the site is used by the army’s history unit and the National Archives of Australia.

Mr Connoley said when you enter the town what “stares you in the face” was the tender loving care these historic buildings desperately needed.

“Rotting timbers, rusted iron work, the top door on Blamey Hall has been (falling of) for five to six years, and birds and pigeons congregate,” he said.

“It affects the feel of the town.

“It is indeed disappointing that such nationally important heritage assets are allowed to be undermined by a lack of regular maintenance and a possible attitude of demolition by neglect.”

A Department of Defence spokesman said the Commonwealth heritage-listed site received regular maintenance and repairs in accordance with Commonwealth legislation, defence policy and a heritage management plan.

“Defence is currently co-ordinating works for Blamey Hall at Fort Queenscliff, which will improve weather resistance and building integrity,” he said.

“Defence is committed to the management and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and equipment across its estate.”

Mr Connoley said no one could recall seeing any maintenance at the building for over two decades.

“If restoration plans are in place that would resolve our concerns,” he said.

Disrepair at the Queenscliff Fort. Picture: Alison Wynd

“Other forts in other states are highly prized and funded.

“Queenscliff has arguably the most important site and defence narrative of any in the nation.

“The whole fort could be a spectacular tourist attraction, if it was just maintained.”

Originally published as Calls to fix ‘neglected’ historic defence site Fort Queenscliff