THE Defence Department is expecting an outcry over plans to demolish 42 structures with heritage significance at a Tasmanian military landmark over the next few months.
A work report from the Anglesea Barracks, obtained by the Mercury yesterday, shows Defence is planning to demolish the structures (25 of which have been regarded as having military value) at the Fort Direction site at South Arm.
“Demolition of 42 structures is planned to occur in the December 10-January 11 period,” says the September 17 report.
The plan seeks a report from a qualified heritage assessor to re-evaluate the heritage plan on the site. It was requested the report be completed by October 1, 2010.
“Any demolition at Fort Direction will result in a very emotive response from locals and possibly the Clarence City Council,” the report says.
A Defence spokesperson said yesterday the department was conducting a heritage assessment of the site.
Tasmanian Liberal senator David Bushby yesterday called for a guarantee that military heritage at the landmark be protected.
The area, near the mouth of the River Derwent on the Eastern Shore, was a prominent site for the protection of Tasmania’s borders during World War II.
In late 1939 two gun platforms, buildings and living quarters were built at the site to accommodate up to 500 defence personal during the peak of the war.
The fort was used to guard the river mouth, train officers and record ships entering and leaving the waterway.
Mr Bushby said the site was an important part of the state’s military history and plans that threaten its heritage should not proceed without consultation and an understanding of what may be lost.
REad the full Mercury report HERE
Earlier on Tasmanian Times, Gwenda Sheridan: The Brighton Aboriginal heritage fiasco … Why have we waited 7 years for another Heritage Act, one that will bring Tasmanian heritage into the 21st century? Gwenda Sheridan’s devastating critique Full story HERE
First published: 2010-12-23 07:29 AM
