The Australian Government has released plans to sell-off under-utilised defense properties including RAAF Point Cook. The idea is to release funds for important defense modernisation and expansion particularly in Northern Australia.
Many Odd Bods commenced their wartime service at Point Cook, and that site now houses an important RAAF Museum. The Government says any land sale will be conditional upon retaining important heritage aspects, but without a clear and robust protection plan, there is great concern about what might be lost.
RAAF Point Cook is just one of 67-68 defense sites expected to raise nearly $3 billion when sold. Concerns have been raised about the loss of historically significant sites, the displacement of defense reserve and school cadets who meet and train at those sites, and the possible lost opportunity for boosting affordable housing if private developers are given few limitations on what they can do with the land.
The RSL raised a petition calling for a thorough examination of the proposal to ensure it delivers long-term benefit for veterans, Defence personnel and the broader community. In response, the Government has now announced a Senate Inquiry.
Vice President of the Friends of the Odd Bods Association Inc., Sqn Ldr Bruce Philip Waxman OAM RAAF (rtd), is also President, of the Friends of the RAAF Museum Inc. at Point Cook. We will all be taking an interest in how this develops.
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