The Hon. Beverley McArthur, Member for Western Victoria Region, Media Release, 23 February 2026

Under the Albanese Labor Government our safety is at risk and our heritage is under attack.

Having taken the matter to the Victorian Parliament, Member for Western Victoria Region, Bev McArthur, is demanding answers over the federal government’s plan to permanently close 68 defence locations across the nation – including the historic Fort Queenscliff in Western Victoria. News of the closures has been met with major community backlash.

For nearly 170 years, Fort Queenscliff has been a part of the history and identity of the Bellarine Peninsula and is covered by Victoria’s planning, heritage, and coastal management framework.

Mrs McArthur joined around 200 residents at a community rally organised by Senator Sarah Henderson, opposing the federal government’s plan to sell this nationally significant heritage site.

“I stand with the entire community including Senator Henderson and Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Cr Donnie Grigau, to ensure that this site remains in public hands and remains accessible for cultural, education and tourism use”, Mrs McArthur said.

Mrs McArthur has called on the Victorian Minister for Planning to join the community in this joint cause and oppose any action that will risk inappropriate development or loss of public access.