Defence has entered into a contract with Shayher Group for the sale of the Bulimba Barracks site in Brisbane.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the sale of the 20-hectare site marks a significant step in the Government's commitment to unlocking surplus Commonwealth land for alternative uses, including housing.
"Shayher Group is an Australian developer with a record of delivering redevelopments in Brisbane and Melbourne," Minister Reynolds said.
"They have demonstrated capacity to develop, remediate and protect the heritage values of the property, recognising the development must adhere to state and local planning, environmental and heritage requirements".
Minister for Housing, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP said the contract decision follows a competitive open market sale process in accordance with the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy.
"The Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy delivers on the Government's commitment to ensure surplus land holdings are put to better use," Minister Sukkar said.
"We are also increasing housing supply and leading by example in accelerating the divestment of surplus Commonwealth land for housing projects.
"The sale of Bulimba Barracks will increase housing supply in Brisbane, with the Brisbane City Council's Bulimba Barracks Master Plan estimating a potential development outcome of about 855 residences, including a range of housing types."
The Indigenous and historic heritage values of Bulimba Barracks will continue to be protected following the sale of the property in accordance with the local and state heritage protection legislation.
Defence anticipates settlement of the property in early 2020. All proceeds from the sale of surplus Defence land are reinvested to support Defence capability. Further information about the sale of Bulimba Barracks can be found at Defence's website.