Fortuna Villa is not only one of the most important heritage buildings in Bendigo, it is also of national historical significance.

As with all buildings of this age, it will need to be brought up to current health and safety standards.

New facilities, such as access for people with disabilities, will be required. All this work, together with the ongoing maintenance of the historic features, comes with a considerable price tag.

The 7.5ha property includes a large area of land around the historic villa, battery and lake, where buildings were constructed during the decades of use by the army.

These areas are of much less heritage value.

None of the buildings were part of the original Lansell property and most of them add little aesthetic value to it.

One solution might be to use these areas and/or buildings in a way that generates enough revenue to maintain the historically significant parts of the property.

This might be achieved by a private-public sector partnership that would permanently secure the future of Fortuna Villa. The house, battery and lake could then be opened to the public and made available for community use.

Contrary to the views held by some, we do not have to rush into a decision on the future of Fortuna, because the work required to bring the property up to a disposable condition will take a considerable time to complete.

STEVE GIBBONS,

federal member for Bendigo