Councillors last night endorsed a motion to provide in-principle support for the creation of a Fortuna Commission to manage the building and up to $4 million funding over 10 years.
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The lavish property is due to be auctioned in about two weeks, but the council hopes to receive state government support for a new plan by former mayor Daryl McClure.
A meeting planned for today with Premier Denis Napthine has been cancelled, with Dr Napthine set to visit fire-ravaged Dereel, near Ballarat, instead.
Councillor James Williams called on the state government to support the proposal and for the public to back the plans through social media and other means.
Councillor Rod Fyffe said the proposal was a “sensible” way forward.
“(It’s a) blueprint for the saving of Fortuna and keeping it in public hands,” he said.
“We are determined to keep it in public hands. This is something that is really important to us.
“We do need to make sure the sale of the site is stopped, if we can.”
Councillor Peter Cox said today’s meeting was probably the last chance to talk about the property with the state government.
Mr McClure said he was pleased with the support given to the plan, which was created with help from Goldmines Hotel owner Rick Walduck.
“The council has said it’s going to do its part,” he said.
“I believe the federal government will do its part, it’s now up to the state government to take the lead.”
Mr McClure said funding for the commission was reliant on nearby property sales and that the commission would be a publicly owned corporation.
“The government would be responsible for the establishment of the Fortuna Commission and appointing its directors,” he said.
“To that extent, the government has ultimate control, but all of the day-to-day operations of Fortuna would be under the control of the Fortuna Commission.”
Mr McClure said he had focused on retaining the 1850s mansion, rather than its future use.
“A lot of people have done very good work on how the building and various grounds might be used,” he said.
“Our main concern is to ensure that there is a means by which Fortuna is secure in public ownership and that there’s an ongoing fund available for looking after it.”
The motion received unanimous support.
Fortuna recently failed to sell by tender.
