Island For Sale

Federal Government Announces Proposed Sale of Defence Assets, Including Part of Swan Island — What It Means for Queenscliff Golf Club

The Federal Government this week released details of a major review and proposed sale of surplus Australian Defence Force (ADF) properties across Australia. The announcement — part of the government’s Defence Estate divestment strategy — includes the western portion of Swan Island, where Queenscliff Golf Club operates on a licence from the Department of Defence.

What Has Been Announced?

The Albanese Government has identified dozens of Defence properties considered under-utilised, vacant, or costly to maintain, and they intend to sell or partly divest them to reinvest in priority defence capabilities and infrastructure. This divestment program includes golf courses, historic barracks, training depots and other assets across the country. Estimated proceeds from these sales could total close to $1.8 – $3 billion, with savings in ongoing maintenance costs also a factor.

Included in that list are several Victorian sites — notably military heritage properties and land — and the Queenscliff Golf Club site on Swan Island.

Queenscliff Golf Club’s Position

As outlined in the recent email from our President, Brad Teal OAM, to members:

• The Club has been aware for some time that the Department of Defence was conducting an Estate audit of properties nationwide.
• The western portion of Swan Island, where the Club operates, is included in that audit and the proposed sale. Download the briefing document below.
• The Club holds a licence from Defence permitting it to operate the golf course, and the briefing released to the press confirms that Defence intends to engage with existing tenants about possible purchase opportunities.
• In response, the Club has already begun discussions with key contacts, including Golf Australia leadership and the local Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, to explore options to purchase the western side of Swan Island and secure the Club’s long-term future.

Next Steps for the Club

Mr Teal made it clear that:

• The QGC Committee will meet shortly to discuss how best to respond.
• A working party will be formed to examine the process, timeline, pricing and terms — all of which will be guided by the Department of Finance’s sale framework.
• There have already been multiple conversations with relevant stakeholders to gather assistance and guidance.

What This Means for QGC Members and Visitors

• Membership Renewals: Members are encouraged to renew their memberships as usual — the Club licence remains in place, and day-to-day operations will not change in the immediate future.
• Club Operations: Golf, competitions, events and clubhouse activities will continue as normal while the process unfolds behind the scenes.
• Visitors & Guests: We warmly encourage our visitors, guests and supporters to keep enjoying the course, book a round with friends, and attend our events. Your continued support helps strengthen the Club and our future on the island.
• Community Engagement: While there will undoubtedly be discussion and speculation about the QGC’s future, the Committee’s official position is positive. This could present a historic opportunity for the club to own its own site outright, providing long-term security for future generations of members.

“This could well be the greatest thing to happen to our club!!” — Brad Teal OAM, President, Queenscliff Golf Club

As more information becomes available and steps in the sale process are clarified, QGC commits to keeping our members informed. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to club President Brad Teal OAM, our Committee Members or Rob Aulich, our General Manager.