THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Friday, 5 December 2008
064/2008
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, DEFENCE SITE FORTUNA
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM
MP, today announced further community engagement in managing Defence
site Fortuna, Bendigo, which has been identified for disposal.
“Defence has identified the Fortuna property as surplus to requirements. This
is due to the recent relocation of the Defence Imagery and Geospatial
Organisation (DIGO) to a new purpose-built facility elsewhere in Bendigo, to
meet DIGO’s ongoing operational requirements.
“Defence is continuing to engage with key stakeholders, including Heritage
Victoria, the City of Greater Bendigo Council and the community, during the
disposal process of Fortuna Villa. To further facilitate this, there will be an
opportunity for the public to visit the property,” Dr Kelly said.
An Open Day will be held at Fortuna on Saturday, 6 December 2008, from
9.30am to 3.30pm. Further details about the event will be advertised in the
media and through the City of Greater Bendigo Council.
“This Open Day demonstrates Defence’s commitment to work together with
the community and interested stakeholders to inform the disposal process. I
would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the Member
for Bendigo, Mr Steve Gibbons MP, who has been very earnest in his efforts to
have this Open Day arranged,” Dr Kelly said.
Defence has commenced its due diligence investigations of the property,
including an assessment of its heritage values. The investigations are
expected to be completed by the end of 2008 and will help inform the disposal
process and timeline.
Fortuna is a 7.5-hectare (approx) property located at 22-48 Chum Street
Bendigo, and was entered in the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its
historic heritage values. Fortuna has been owned or occupied by Defence
since 1942.
Media contacts:
Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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