Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How has Defence assessed the heritage values?

A. The heritage values of the site were assessed when it was entered in the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004. Defence’s heritage consultants have reviewed that assessment against the current Commonwealth and Victorian heritage criteria.

Q. How will Fortuna’s Heritage values be protected?

A. Defence has commissioned a plan for the future management of the heritage values of the property. The plan takes account of the identified heritage values of the site, the results of heritage consultation, and the condition and conservation requirements of the built and landscape elements of the site. The heritage management plan will be given to the new owner.

Q. Will Fortuna be listed on the Victorian Heritage Register?

A. Defence is considering the possibility of nominating Fortuna to the Victorian Heritage Register. Legally, the property cannot be listed until the property has left Commonwealth ownership. In consultation with Defence’s heritage consultant and Heritage Victoria, Defence will ensure mechanisms are in place for ongoing protection of the heritage values after sale.

Q. Has Defence ever sold a property this historically significant?

A. Defence has sold other properties which have been entered in the Commonwealth Heritage List.

Q. Is there any soil contamination as a result of the previous mining activity on the site?

A. There may be some soil contamination as a result of the historic mining activities undertaken on site prior to Defence ownership. Defence will consider the results of the environmental investigations to determine whether this is the case and whether any remediation is required.

Q. Is there any unexploded ordnance on the site?

A. An investigation was carried out and no evidence of the existence of unexploded ordnance, explosive ordnance or explosive ordnance waste was found.

Q. Are there any environmentally significant features on the site?

A. An ecological assessment was undertaken to determine whether there are significant features. No protected flora or fauna species or ecological communities were found within the site.

Q. Why are the grounds and lake not in the same condition as they are in photos?

A. When carrying out grounds maintenance, Defence has ensured it adheres to water restrictions in Bendigo. This means that the lawns and garden, as well as the lake, are not in the same condition as they are in photos taken some years ago.

Q. How and who will look after the site until it is sold?

A. Defence will continue to look after the property until it is sold. Defence will undertake any necessary work and will continue existing security measures to make sure the site is secure until sold.

Q. What are the results of the studies?

A. Defence has not yet carried out a comprehensive review of the studies. However, an initial review suggests that overall the property is in good condition. While some remediation and infrastructure works are likely to be required before sale, there appear to be no major issues that would affect the disposal.

Q. What is the Commonwealth Property Disposals Policy?

A. Disposal of Commonwealth land must follow the Commonwealth Property Disposals Policy, which has been developed by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. The Policy is available on the Department’s website at www.finance.gov.au. Generally, the Policy requires that all Commonwealth land is to be sold on the open market at full market value.

Q. Will the Australian Government sell the property to the City of Greater Bendigo or the Victorian Government through a priority sale?

A. The Policy currently allows priority sale to a State or local government, where the sale facilitates other Commonwealth or co-operative policy initiatives. Commonwealth policy initiatives include: increasing the supply of housing; improving the amenity of local suburbs; and creating new jobs. Any priority sale request should also demonstrate that the future use and operation is financially sustainable.

Q. When should the Council make a priority sale submission?

A. Defence has provided copies of the studies to the Victorian Government and the Council and asked that, should they seek to purchase Fortuna, a priority sale submission be submitted to Defence by the end of October 2009.

Q. Has the property been valued? What is the value?

A. A valuation of the property will be sought at an appropriate time to coincide with the disposal action. The valuation will be commercial-in-confidence.

Q. Has a date for the sale been set?

A. No decision about how or when the property will be sold has been made yet.

Q. When will Defence make a decision about the disposal method and timing?

A. The Australian Government will make a decision about the disposal method and timing once it has received and considered any priority sale submissions from the Victorian Government and Council, and the disposal strategy has been approved.

Q. Will future development of the building and grounds be allowed? Will the property be subdivided by the future owner?

A. Future town planning matters, including future development and subdivision, are matters for the City of Greater Bendigo Council, as the Responsible Planning Authority for the site, in discussion with the new owner.

Q. Will Defence fully restore the place before selling it?

A. The property will not be fully restored before sale, as this would require someone to make decisions about which era of occupation the place should represent, and the most appropriate future use. Defence has no role in determining options for future use. This will be the responsibility of the new owner in consultation with the City of Greater Bendigo Council.

Q. What works will Defence be doing at Fortuna?

A. The full extent of works at Fortuna will be determined after a comprehensive review of the studies.

Q. Will Defence carry out works to the villa so that it meets current buildings codes?

A. Any works to bring the villa up to current building codes would require someone to decide on a future use for the villa. This decision is a matter for the future owner. Defence will be carrying out any necessary maintenance work to the villa, but will not be bringing it up to code.

Q. What consultation will take place with the local community?

A. Defence is continuing to consult key stakeholders, including the Council and community, during the disposal process.

Q. Will there be another Public Open Day at Fortuna before it is sold?

A. At this stage there are no further Public Open Days planned before Fortuna is sold. In the event it is decided to hold another Public Open Day, the community will be notified through local newspaper advertisements and via the website.

Q. Will there be public access to Fortuna after it is sold?

A. Public access to Fortuna after the time of disposal will be a matter for the future owner.

Q. How can the community find out more about Fortuna Villa?

A. A website and postal address is available for those who want information about Fortuna Villa. Local historical groups can provide information about the history of the property.