Historical information

Steve Gibbons, Federal Member for Bendigo, suggests selling non-heritage parts of the Fortuna Villa property to fund maintenance of the historic mansion, ornamental lake, and mining battery.

Non-heritage areas could be subdivided for private housing and possibly a health or aged-care facility. A new road connecting Marble and Chum streets could open up the site for these developments. The land west of the heritage lake and buildings is proposed for housing, while the corner of Chum and Booth streets is suggested for a health or aged-care facility.

Gibbons emphasizes that only the original George Lansell property and its historic buildings are of heritage value; army-era buildings are not. He proposes that proceeds from development and ongoing rates be set aside to fund future maintenance of the heritage assets.

Gibbons insists the mansion should remain in public ownership to preserve George Lansell's legacy and avoid burdening taxpayers or ratepayers. He is open to other ideas for the property's future use but stresses the need for a sustainable funding source.

The City of Greater Bendigo is awaiting reports from the Department of Defence before making decisions about the property's future.

Physical description

Fortuna Article - "Fortuna part sale idea" Jan 24 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Sara Mennie

This item contains the following:

11217.34a Colour Photo of Steve Gibbons, Federal Member for Bendigo

11217.34b Colour Photo of proposed extensions to the Fortuna site

11217.34c Part of Page 4 - Article "Fortuna part sale idea"

11217.34d Colour Photo of Front Page Photo from the Bendigo Advertiser showing Fortuna with a "For Sale Sign"

Publication type

non-fiction