The State Government must provide direction on how the old Bendigo Law Courts will be used, amid fears the heritage listed buildings will fall into disrepair, The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad raised the matter in Parliament, saying the community was keen to see progress on the future of the historically significant buildings.
“Since the new Bendigo law courts opened in February this year, the old law courts have remained vacant and constituents have raised concerns that this stunning state-owned asset is just wasting away,” Ms Broad said.
“The state government has been working on designs for the new $152 million law courts for over three years, but there is still no plan for the old law courts.
Premier Jacinta Allan is the local Member for Bendigo East, where the old Bendigo Law Courts are located.
“The future use of the old buildings should have been a key part of the overall planning for the entire project. To progress plans for the new law courts, without deciding on the future use of the old law courts is a massive project oversight, and waste of valuable state-owned assets.”
“It’s clear that the Allan Labor Government can’t manage money, and can’t manage projects.
Ms Broad raised the matter with the Attorney General in Parliament, seeking community engagement on future plans to ensure the buildings were used and maintained.
“Local suggestions include a museum, five-star accommodation and restaurant, a filming location, extension of Bendigo Senior Secondary College or use by La Trobe University.”
The buildings are owned by the State and leased to three separate organisations – the Bendigo Law Courts, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and the City of Greater Bendigo.
Construction started on the historic Bendigo Law Courts in 1892 and they were officially opened in 1896. The courts back onto Bendigo’s Rosalind Park and echo the grand design of the nearby post office building in Pall Mall.
Photo caption: Gaelle Broad MP has called for direction on the future of the old Bendigo Law Courts.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
