THOSE behind next Friday’s auction of Fortuna Villa say it will definitely go ahead despite Cr Elise Chapman’s hunger strike, as the premier urged her to stop the “dangerous” stunt.
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Premier Denis Napthine yesterday said Cr Chapman’s hunger strike was the wrong course of action and the wrong way to get results from the government.
“I’d urge her to cease her hunger strike,” Dr Napthine said.
“That’s not the way to achieve anything.
“I think that just sends the wrong message and it’s dangerous.”
City of Greater Bendigo staff have tried to reschedule a meeting with the Premier to discuss Fortuna, but Dr Napthine it was a matter for the Federal Government.
“Fortuna Villa is owned by the Commonwealth Government, it is the Commonwealth Government that is proposing to sell it and any push to change that decision should be directed at the Commonwealth Government.”
The Defence Department told the Bendigo Advertiser the auction would go ahead as planned on April 12.
And auctioneer Craig Tweed said he would be very surprised if the property didn’t sell, noting the hunger strike had been good publicity for the auction.
“I can assure you the Defence Department are very willing sellers,” Mr Tweed said.
“Someone’s going to end up with a very special property at a very special price.
“I will very surprised if it doesn’t sell this time round.”
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He said about 20 people had inspected the property and all said they were keen to take into account the public’s view on Fortuna.
“I can say categorically that everyone that has looked at it has got the public in mind for their plans with this particular property,” he said.
“Everyone that has been through it realises what a sensitive issue this property is for Bendigo.”
Mr Tweed said he wouldn’t know what the property’s reserve would be until auction day, but said a previously reported price tag of $3 million was probably excessive.
He said there had been interested shown from people in the hospitality industry.
“Whoever’s buying it will have to work with the City of Greater Bendigo to make sure it works out properly,” he said.
“I’ve had one chap from Sydney view the property but most have been from Melbourne or locals. They are totally gobsmacked when they see it.”
Former mayor Alec Sandner said selling the property was the best option and noted a private buyer could hold open days at the property. But Daryl McClure, who has created the most recent plan for the property, said the sale would not be a good long term option for public access.
Friends of Fortuna Action Group members Merle Hall and Terry Davidson also noted the first buyer may open the property to the public, but that could change with subsequent buyers.
Cr Chapman had said she hoped to raise publicity from the hunger strike but did not return calls from the Bendigo Advertiser yesterday.