Aviation enthusiasts fight plan to sell off the birthplace of RAAF
There are calls for RAAF Base Point Cook, in Melbourne's south-west, to be placed in a community trust rather than sold to private investors.
Aviation enthusiasts are urging the Australian government to maintain the historic RAAF base at Point Cook rather than selling it off. The base, located in Melbourne's south-west, is considered the birthplace of the RAAF as it was the site of Australia's first military flight in 1914. Aviation enthusiasts Terry Smith and Peter Bainbridge are members of the volunteer "clean team" that maintains the military aircraft displays at the base.
They are proud to work on the historic aircraft, describing them as more than just machines, but with rich history. RAAF Base Point Cook, established over a century ago, has been an important training facility during both World War I and World War II. It holds significant sentimental value for military and aviation buffs. The federal government plans to sell the base at market value, with the proceeds reinvested in other defense priorities.
Aviation heritage activist Mark Pilkington is fighting against the plan, arguing that the base's heritage buildings are of national significance and cannot be easily moved. He also highlights the base's location on the edge of a Ramsar Treaty wetland and its endangered native grasslands. The government states that the base is no longer operational and costs millions to maintain, with much of the land and buildings underutilized and deteriorating.
The government claims it is committed to conserving significant historical places and collections during the divestment process.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
