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