THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Monday, 13 July 2009
035/2009
DUE DILIGENCE STUDIES COMPLETED FOR
DEFENCE SITE FORTUNA
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM
MP, and the Member for Bendigo, Mr Steve Gibbons MP, today visited the
‘Fortuna’ Defence site in Bendigo and announced that the due diligence
studies of the site have been completed.
The Fortuna property has been identified for disposal, but no decision about
the timing or method of the sale has been made at this stage.
The due diligence studies incorporate the results of the heritage,
environmental contamination and unexploded ordnance investigations and will
help inform the disposal process and timeline. The decision about the
disposal will be made by the Australian Government in accordance with the
Commonwealth Property Disposals Policy.
“Copies of the studies will be provided to the Victorian Government and the
City of Greater Bendigo Council for consideration,” Dr Kelly said.
“An initial review of the findings of the investigations suggests that, overall, the
property is in good condition and while some remediation and infrastructure
maintenance work is likely to be required before sale, there appear to be no
major issues that would affect the disposal.
“Defence is continuing to engage with key stakeholders, including Heritage
Victoria, the City of Greater Bendigo Council and the local community during
the disposal process of Fortuna Villa,” Dr Kelly said.
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
NEWS 
