Mike Baird | Member for Manly - Save North Fort From Closure

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Save North Fort From Closure

Mon 20 April - The North Fort Museum is to be closed and moved to Victoria, in a move local Member for Manly, Mike Baird, describes as a bitter disappointment.

“I am staggered that the Defence Force would shift the artillery museum to Puckapunyal away from its historic home at North Head,’ Mr Baird said.

“It is so disappointing to receive this news as we prepare to commemorate ANZAC Day. “

“We want to remember and acknowledge the important role the defence men and women of Australia have played, particularly this special linkage to North Head, not have it taken away from the community.”

“I call on Federal Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, Graham West, Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans’ Affairs and a representative from the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, to meet me on site to visit the Museum and explain why such a decision has been taken. I will work with the Federal Member for Warringah, Tony Abbott, to stop this move.”

Chairman of the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company, Kevin Browning, says the volunteers who run the museum provide the equivalent of ten full-time paid staff which the Defence Force would not be able to afford if it is moved to Victoria.

“We will fight this plan and are frustrated that we are being treated in this way, without the Defence Force even providing us with a formal notification of the decision or a timeline for the planned move,” Mr Browning said.

North Fort has played a crucial role in the military history of Australia. It was built in 1938 and was key to the defence of Sydney during World War Two. In addition to the artillery personnel stationed there, North Fort was also manned by the 7^th Volunteer Defence Corps and C Company, and 2^nd Garrison Battalion, which totalled 250 servicemen and women.

The school of the Royal Australian Artillery was based at North Head after World War Two until 1997. In 1990 the Royal Australian Artillery National Museum was opened giving the community access to this historical place.

“Volunteers have carefully maintained the area through the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company and it is devastating for them that after all their hard work, the Defence Department is abandoning them,” Mr Baird said.

“They have only just completed the Memorial Walk and were still to have it dedicated.”

“This is a treasured part of the character and history of Manly, and one which I will work with the community to retain,” Mr Baird said.

Media Contact: Wendy Black 0418 532 534

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Comments (10)

Save North Fort from Closure

North Fort must not be moved from Manly. This forms a valuable and unique part of our heritage and must remain in it's current location. Manly attracts millions of visitors every year. This wonderful museum should be promoted to those visitors as part of a "family friendly" Manly experience. Is there a hidden agenda for the site? Let's ask the Defence department what their plans are for the future use of this area.

Posted by: Denise Keen at 21-04-2009 10:24

Save North Fort from Closure

I cannot believe that a decision to relocate the museum could even be contemplated.

Posted by: Richard Sansom at 21-04-2009 10:51

north fort

A move to Pucka hardly makes for access.
Its a long way from anywhere

Stuart

Posted by: stuart bensley at 21-04-2009 15:26

Royal Australian Artillery National Muse

Hi Mike,
I support your stand . As an ex Victorian who did Army training at Puckapunyal I can confirm that it is a bit of a backwater and it does not attract a lot of visitors other than Army personel.
The the historical implications of the equipment would be lost to a large number of people. Also it will be one less tourist attraction in Manly and we can ill afford to lose such an attraction.
Daryl

Posted by: Daryl Alexander at 21-04-2009 15:56

North Fort

My grandfather (who has recently suffered a devastating stroke) was one of the men who first set up the museum at North Head (Whitelaw Hall). His father was Maj. Gen. J.S. Whitelaw (commandant at North Head for some time), and my grandfather followed his father's footsteps and too became a successful and respected Major General in the RAA.
My family is absolutely gutted that they could think of moving the museum! It is a memorial, a historical tribute to those who gave their lives, it was set up by volunteers, if they want to train troops then bring them to Manly, show them the tunnels, the gun posts, the history WHERE IT WAS MADE! Don't take away our nation's history, don't take my family's legacy. We are proud of the museum and as a resident of Manly I know we would be loosing a huge chunk of our cultural history. Shame.
If there is ANYTHING we can do to help prevent this from happening, please let me know.

Posted by: Sarah Neave at 21-04-2009 19:21

North Fort

Hi Mike.
A further question to be asked here is what does the Department of Defence have planned for this site in the future?
Whatever is planned will have quite an effect on local people and perhaps on our amenity.

Posted by: Jennifer Grant at 22-04-2009 09:49

NORTH FORT

It is pleasing to me that it is moved ..

My father was a airforce person flying bomber raids over germany in the war II as was the famous cricketer Mr Miller.

If the fort museum goes then is it possible to move APF into the ADF area of the North Head site ? and so " SAVE THE PENGUINS ? ????

Posted by: warren moss at 22-04-2009 17:44

North Fort battle

The museum is run by dedicated volunteers,an educational centre for our children,& a viable tourist attraction for our area.
I should imagine the Canberra War museum would have many more exhibits suitable for Puckapunyal.
The cost to remove the museum is a complete waste of money, hopefully the whole idea will be shelved and never heard of again.

Posted by: Toni Lynch at 22-04-2009 19:43

North Fort Manly

North Fort is and has been for a long time a meaningful part of Manly. it attracts many visitors, most of whom would not or could not visit the site at Puckapunyal. Please leave it for all to enjoy at Manly.

Posted by: Patricia Goble at 29-05-2009 20:12

North Fort - how can the tunnels be move

I support Mr. Mike Baird's moves to keep The Royal Australian Artillery Museum at North Fort on North Head, but would also like to see and hear more support from the Federal Member, Mr. Tony Abbott MP, to help Mike and others keep the Museum open in the Sydney Area.

Whatever the future plans for North Fort, I don't see how the underground tunnels, such an important part of the R.A.A. Museum at North Head could be moved to Puckapunyal.

Puckapunyal in Victoria, already has The Royal Australian Armoured Corps Museum, and a very good museum it is. North Fort is specific to Sydney and the history of NSW. Victorians are proud to have The Armoured Corps Museum there, and NSW should be proud to keep The Artillery Museum at North Fort. I feel greater support from the Federal Member would greatly help to keep The R.A.A. Museum at North Fort. Surely to move it would be vandalism.

Posted by: Ross Wood at 14-07-2009 19:29