Council slams army museum funding withdrawal

By Bianca Hall

Jun 19, 2023

Funding withdrawn: Mitchell Shire Council is devastated by the Federal Government’s decision to ditch plans for the Puckapunyal Combined Arms Heritage and Learning Centre. Photo by McPherson Media Group

Mitchell Shire Council has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw funding for the planned Puckapunyal Combined Arms Heritage and Learning Centre.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

In a statement on Friday, June 16, councillors said they were “devastated” and the decision “cuts even deeper” following the October 2022 floods.

The planned centre was pitched as a tourist attraction and home to the “nationally significant” collection of military memorabilia that has been curated by district veterans for years.

The current museum was described as outdated and near impossible for the public to access, due to its location on Puckapunyal Military Base.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said it was a huge let down for Puckapunyal, Seymour and the surrounding community because of the strong and proud military presence and history.

“We urge the Federal Government to reconsider the decision,” she said.

“Our proud military community deserves appropriate acknowledgment and respect from the Federal Government.

“We have been working with local representatives of the defence force and local RSL for a considerable time with significant planning investment already undertaken and a financial allocation in place.”

The statement said the educational and recruitment component of the mueseum aligned perfectly with several recommendations referenced within the Defence Strategic Review.

“This is another reason we don’t understand the funding being withdrawn,” Cr Stevens said.

“The Puckapunyal Combined Arms Heritage and Learning Centre was shovel ready, so why would you waste this time, effort and costs and now withdraw funds at this critical stage?

“The findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide show now is the time we need to be providing more recognition and support to our veterans, not ignoring their value.”

Council said it would continue to advocate for the project despite its cancellation.

It also reiterated the need for a Seymour community wellbeing hub capable of providing specialised veteran support and called on the Federal and state governments for funding.

“We had pre-election commitment from the National Party of $10 million for the Seymour hub,” Cr Stevens said.

“Our partners are ready to provide the services, council has purchased the land and had preliminary design and planning discussions, we just need the money to build it.”