Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, today presided over the ownership transfer of Fort Scratchley from the Commonwealth Government to the people of Newcastle. “From today Fort Scratchley becomes the property of the citizens of Newcastle and the region for their enjoyment. It stands as a testament to the contribution of all of those from the region who have served in the defence of the nation,” said Mr Combet.

“Fort Scratchley is a heritage listed former Defence site located near the entrance to Newcastle Harbour. It has a history almost as long as the history of European colonisation of Australia. The location was first conceived of a defence site in the mid to late-19th century when fear of a Russian invasion was high among the Australian population. Construction of the fort began in 1881. By 1882 the guns were placed in location and by 1886 the Barrack’s buildings, walls and dry ditch were constructed."

“The fort was named Fort Scratchley after Major General Peter Scratchley – a pivotal figure in Australian Defence Planning during the colonial era and somebody who had advocated the establishment of coastal fortifications to protect against Naval attacks. Perhaps it most famous role was in World War 2. During that conflict at about 2.15 am on 8 June 1942, Japanese submarine I-21 shelled Newcastle with the aim to attack the Newcastle shipyards. The guns at Fort Scratchley returned fire with 4 rounds at the enemy vessel which was located by spotting the discharge of their weapons. With the remediation works and related upgrades the Fort will also hold great value to the people of Newcastle as a local heritage and tourist location."

Mr Combet said “I would like to thank all of those who have worked so hard on this project to make it a reality, in particular the officers and members of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society, but also all other members of the Council and the community who have contributed.”

Mr Combet also thanked former Prime Minister John Howard for his role in supporting this project and made available the necessary funding. In total the Commonwealth contributed funding of approximately $10m to the project.