Dale O’Sullivan told The Advertiser he wanted to buy Fortuna Villa for $3 million, as a representative of the Richard Anderson Trust.

“That is what it is worth and we know it would not take long to make the money back,” he said.

Mr O’Sullivan said he had made his interest in the heritage property known to the City of Greater Bendigo and that he believed the building would be better off in private ownership.

“A private owner is driven by profits, whereas the government will just leave it there,” he said.

“As far as I know we’re the only ones that have put money on the table.”

Mr O’Sullivan said he believed the council should have informed the community that an offer for Fortuna had been made.

“Having it out in the public arena means we can at least work with other buyers,” he said.

“They’re treating the public like children who cannot handle bad news.”

City of Greater Bendigo director of city futures Stan Liacos said the council was aware of Mr O’Sullivan’s interest in the property, which he had submitted in a one-paragraph letter.

“We were seeking general interest from the community,” he said.

“His interest was included in the confidential report presented to the council.

“He was directed to the Department of Defence.”

In January the council decided against buying the building, which is owned by the Department of Defence, but instead to push for support from the State and Federal governments to secure the asset for the community.