Fort Management

The Australian Government had ownership of the site as a defence establishment.

When the defence functions ceased, it was leased to the City of Newcastle which became the manager of the site. In January 2004, the City of Newcastle and the Australian Government executed an agreement whereby the Government would restore Fort Scratchley Historic Site then transfer ownership to Council.

The Fort was closed to the public in April 2004. Restoration works were completed in 2008 enabling the transfer of the site to Council on 30 June 2008.

Plan of Management

The Fort Scratchley Historic Site Plan of Management was adopted to conserve and promote the cultural significance, community use and park values of the Fort Scratchley Historic Site.

Download the Fort Scratchley Historic Site Plan of Management (939kb pdf)

City of Newcastle acknowledges that we operate on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.
We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship with the land, and that they are the proud survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.
CN reiterates its commitment to address disadvantages and attain justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this community.