Defence Site Maribyrnong Community Information Session. 20 August 2017

Transcription

1 Community Information Session 20 August 2017

2 Commercial-in-Confidence Defence Site Maribyrnong Discussion Topics 1. Property Overview 2. Heritage 3. Contamination and Remediation 4. Australian Government Decision 5. Open Market Approach Overview 6. Unsolicited Proposals 7. Future Development of the Site 8. Community Engagement

3 Property Overview Defence Site Maribyrnong Nearly 128ha 10km north west of Melbourne CBD. Largest remaining urban infill redevelopment site in metropolitan Melbourne. Included as part of the broader housing affordability package announced by the Federal Treasurer in May 2017 to unlock surplus Commonwealth Land.

4 Property Overview History of the Site 1862 Fisher family established one of Australia s most famous horseracing stud farms. Built the historic Fisher Stables Cox Brothers purchased the site and established the famous Maribyrnong Racecourse Commonwealth acquired the site and constructed an explosives factory Defence established a Remount Depot based from Fisher Stables The stables are used as a base to supply cavalry and horses for the Light Horse Brigade for World War 1.

5 Property Overview History of the Site 1942 Middle of World War 2, explosives production was at its peak, as was the workforce 8,000 workers Remount Depot closed. Activities switched from explosive production to explosive destruction as required at the end of the Second World War s Production changed to modernised munitions (rocket and missiles) and the science and research function was expanded Explosive manufacturing ceased. Research functions continued Research functions relocated to new facilities. The Site closed.

6 Heritage The site is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List (CHL). Defence will nominate the site to the Victorian Heritage Register to provide for ongoing heritage protection following sale. The current Heritage Management Plan includes the appropriate proportion of buildings to be retained, including Fisher Stables, to continue to tell the story about the site s rich history. Sandy the Australian Light Horse will be commemorated through a memorial at Fisher Stables. A memorial for Sandy will be established at a temporary location next to the Randall Street Community Centre.

7 Contamination & Remediation Heavily contaminated as a result of its former uses. Defence Site Maribyrnong Defence completed the remediation of Stage One in December 2015 Will continue to investigate and remediate the contaminants unique to Defence. Defence will work with relevant authorities to ensure all remediation requirements are met. Rigorous safety protocols and environmental controls will be implemented during the investigation activities. The purchaser to undertake the remediation of the more common contaminants across the majority of the site.

8 Contamination & Remediation The property development industry has developed significant capacity to remediate Brownfield urban infill sites. An independent site auditor accredited by EPA Victoria will hold a developer accountable to deliver safe remediation outcomes. Defence will ensure the commitment of undertaking remediation and development by a purchaser is within a reasonable timeframe as part of the sale process Defence anticipates that remediation of the remaining site may take up to five years to complete. ALREADY REMEDIATED

9 Why go to Open Market? Specialist advice from the property industry and environmental consultants indicates that great outcomes are likely through an open market sale process. The property development industry is better placed than Defence to undertake fit-for-purpose remediation of brownfield urban development sites in line with development outcomes. The sale process allows for consideration of community input and industry ideas as part of a parallel planning process.

10 Project Time Frame: The timeframe for completing the remediation and divestment of the site is dependent on successfully completing the open market process. The open market testing process is expected to commence in the first half of 2018 following consultation with Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) and Maribyrnong City Council. Specialist remediation is expected to start soon and take approximately two years to complete. Remediation of the remainder of the site will take between three and five years to complete.

11 Open Market Approach - Overview 1. Complete the procurement of specialist property, environmental and legal advisory services to deliver the open market testing process with Defence. 2. VPA (coordinating role for State Government) and Maribyrnong City Council will work with Defence to scope the requirements that will be released to the open market. 3. Defence will work with VPA, (coordinating role for State Government) & Maribyrnong City Council to ensure remediation requirements, heritage protection measures, and community needs are considered in the planning of the future development. 4. At least six months to scope the initial requirements for the approach to market after the specialist services are procured. 5. The timetable for the release to market (time frame and length of time) will be decided based on industry advice and in consultation with the VPA and Council.

12 Unsolicited Proposals: No proposals will be considered outside the open market process. Any that are received will be acknowledged, advised that it has not been accepted and outline the open market process.

13 Future Development of the site No decisions have been made at this stage about the future of the site. The Federal Treasurer has committed to future development on the site contributing towards affordable and community housing. Any future development at the site would be subject to the safe remediation of contamination. Any purchaser will be required to comply with regulatory requirements of State Government and the Maribyrnong City Council. Defence values the contribution and ongoing participation from Council and the State Government in scoping the requirements and the open market process to ensure the best development outcome for the community is achieved.

14 Community Engagement Defence has held discussions since May 2017 with Maribyrnong City Council, VPA and EPA Victoria to ensure all three levels of Government will work together in a way that allows the community to be informed and engaged. Defence is committed to engaging with the community openly and regularly on the progress of the remediation and open market process. Future community engagement/information forums will occur, in partnership with Council and VPA in accordance with our commitment to a robust process.

15 Riverside Walking and Cycle Path yes! Defence has committed to ensuring this is part of the future of the site. Key consideration in the timing of land release for the development of a riverside walking and cycling path is ensuring that remediation works can be undertaken and public safety is not compromised. Agreed in May 2017 to work with Council to explore early delivery of this community facility in parallel to the open market process. The planning discussions have commenced.

16 Where to from here? Defence is working with VPA and Council to scope requirements for the open market sale. You will have the opportunity to contribute ideas for the future of the site through a range of forums. Defence, along with VPA and Council are looking forward to achieving outcomes that support Melbourne s urban renewal and important objectives such as affordable housing.

17 Contact Information Defence Site Maribyrnong For enquiries about the sale and remediation, ask Defence via Website: