Overview
Defence is proposing the demolition and removal of 19 structures at RAAF Base Point Cook, Victoria.
The structures to be demolished include a range of buildings beyond repair and that pose safety risks to Defence personnel. This includes:
- the remains of 4 Bellman hangar structures
- RAAF standard huts
- old store facilities
- a disused toilet block.
In 2019 the proposed removal of these structure was referred to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). DCCEEW determined that the removal of the structures constituted a Controlled Action under the EPBC Act, notably due to the site’s heritage listings, requiring assessment and approval.
Defence had prepared and released a Preliminary Documentation Report which constitutes the compilation of information DCCEEW needs to make its assessment and approval decision.
Defence will continue to protect, manage and promote heritage values at RAAF Base Point Cook. The RAAF Museum Point Cook continues to provide for the restoration and display of historic aircraft. The RAAF Museum Point Cook is the official museum of the Royal Australian Air Force and is open to the public. Over 90 per cent of all historic buildings on the RAAF Base Point Cook site are being retained.
Consultation
Details of the proposed demolition of structures at RAAF Base Point Cook have been publicly available since the EPBC Act referral was published and consulted on the DCCEEW website on 17 March 2020.
A further round of statutory public consultation on the draft Preliminary Documentation Report led by Defence occurred in April 2024.
Defence received 34 public submissions on the draft Preliminary Documentation Report. These have all been considered in an updated and final Preliminary Documentation Report, and provided to DCCEEW for its consideration for the decision stage of the assessment.
Public comments (PDF, 132.23 KB)
Information about the project’s assessment and approval status is available on the DCCEEW EPBC Act Public Portal website.