Dr Mike Kelly will inspect Fortuna as part of the process for completing the disposal of the property by the Defence Department.

Mr Gibbons said that Dr Kelly, the parliamentary secretary for Defence Support, had responsibility for the disposal of all Defence properties and he had welcomed the invitation to see the historic Bendigo landmark before any final decision was made about its future.

“Given the strong interest shown by more than 5000 people who inspected Fortuna recently, I think it’s important for the responsible minister to come to Bendigo to inspect the property and meet with the City of Greater Bendigo and other interested groups to discuss options for its future use,” he said.

Mr Gibbons said the former home of gold mining magnate George Lansell was an important part of Bendigo’s history.

He repeated his view that the parts of the property with heritage value should remain in public ownership.

This includes the house, the mining battery and the ornamental lake.

Mr Gibbons said he expected Dr Kelly’s visit to take place in the next month or so, and that a precise date would be announced in the next few days.