Former prime minister Tony Abbott has thrown his support behind a growing Mosman campaign to stop the sale of part of HMAS Penguin, urging residents to prepare for a community fight to protect the military site and its adjoining angophora forest.
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Hundreds of residents packed Mosman RSL for a community forum focused on the future of HMAS Penguin, highlighting concern over the proposal to divest part of the Middle Head naval base.
The gathering brought together campaigners, residents, and former politicians concerned about the future of the site’s angophora forest and surrounding bushland.
Mr Abbott, who represented Warringah in federal parliament for 25 years, told attendees that local residents may ultimately need to take visible community action if authorities proceed with plans to dispose of part of the site.
He suggested residents should be prepared to demonstrate their opposition in person, arguing the land should remain protected.
The former prime minister drew parallels with past community campaigns that successfully protected parts of Sydney from redevelopment, saying local people should not underestimate the power of collective action.
The campaign centres on part of the 16.64-hectare HMAS Penguin base at Middle Head, which was identified for partial divestment in the Commonwealth’s 2023 Defence Estate Audit.
The audit recommended the sale of dozens of Defence properties around Australia as part of a broader review of Defence assets.
While Defence has stated that key operations at HMAS Penguin, including clearance diver training and specialist underwater medicine facilities, would remain at the base, community groups say uncertainty remains over exactly which sections of land could be sold.
Particular concern has focused on approximately six hectares of angophora forest bordering the base. Campaigners say the forest has significant environmental value and forms part of a broader historic landscape at Middle Head.
The Headland Preservation Group argues the area sits within a precinct that includes military heritage sites, walking tracks and conservation areas overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Campaigners have launched an open letter calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Environment Minister Murray Watt and independent MP Zali Steggall to prevent any sale of the forested land.
Community concern has been building since reports emerged earlier this year that part of HMAS Penguin had been earmarked for disposal.
Since then, local residents have organised community meetings, open letters, and advocacy campaigns aimed at persuading the government to reconsider.
The federal government has maintained that Defence land identified for divestment could potentially provide greater public access in the future.
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However, campaigners remain sceptical and are seeking assurances that the angophora forest and surrounding bushland will remain protected.
Officials have yet to release final details outlining the precise boundaries of any future sale. Until those plans are made public, community groups say they will continue pressing their case and encouraging residents to make their voices heard.
Published 21-June-2026
