Defence Site Maribyrnong (site) is a 127.8 hectare property located on Cordite Road, Maribyrnong Victoria and is surplus to Defence requirements. Defence is currently testing the open market for the most cost-effective way to remediate and develop the site in accordance with the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy.
The site is approximately 10 kilometres from the Melbourne central business district.
Open market testing process
Defence is undertaking a 3 stage open market testing process to identify a suitably qualified developer for the site. The first stage, known as the Registration of Interest (ROI), was completed in June 2022.
Suitably qualified development agencies that were successful from the ROI were invited to participate in the second stage. The second stage is known as the Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) which opened Thursday 1 September 2022 and closed on Friday 18 November 2022. The REOI is an opportunity for suitable agencies to demonstrate their capability and capacity to remediate and develop the site.
Five property development agencies were short-listed to participate in the final stage of the open market testing process, known as the Request for Proposal (RFP).
2024 update
At end of July 2024, the open market tender closed and Defence commenced evaluating RFP submissions received.
Defence continues to work with the Victorian Governments, planning, development and environmental agencies as well as Maribyrnong City Council as part of the sites future use considerations.
Defence expects to make a recommendation to the Australian Government on the site’s future in early 2025.
Community update
Defence is continuing to safely remove legacy asbestos material from the site. Defence has employed a competent and licenced contractor to remove asbestos in accordance with best practice including:
- appropriate weather conditions
- worksite air monitoring
- manual collection
- secure storage
- auditable disposal of asbestos containing material.
Defence will take active steps to ensure that no asbestos materials are emitted from the property.
Asbestos removal contractors will be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, HAZMAT suits and respirators.
Further information on asbestos is available on the Asbestos in Victoria website.
Environmental and heritage work, including investigations and reporting following recent fires, are continuing on the site.
Defence will continue to engage with the Victorian Planning Authority and Maribyrnong City Council regarding future planning and use of the site.