The old Bendigo law courts remain in limbo, two years after the Allan Labor Government committed to a community consultation process.
“Two years on, the building remains empty, and no community consultation has taken place,” The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad has formally asked the Attorney General to visit Bendigo and tour the old law courts with local representatives of the National Trust.
“The new Bendigo law courts opened in February 2023, and since that time, the beautiful historic building, the old Bendigo law courts, has been left vacant,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“I first asked the Attorney-General about the future use of the old Bendigo law courts in November 2023. In response, the former Attorney-General said:
‘The government and CSV (Court Services Victoria) are committed to open, collaborative and meaningful engagement with the community to ensure the future use of the historic building is respectful of its contribution to the City of Bendigo and provides value back to the community it served.’
“That was two years ago, and the building still sits empty, and no community consultation has taken place,” Ms Broad said.
“I commend the National Trust Bendigo and District branch, who worked with CSV to gain access to run public tours during the Bendigo Heritage Festival., and are committed to working with CSV to conduct public tours of the site.”
Ms Broad also noted the tireless advocacy of the late Peter Cox OAM, a former mayor and councillor who was president of the Bendigo branch of the National Trust and passed away in July.
Ms Broad said there was some confusion over the court management, between CSV, the Department of Transport and Planning and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
“It’s important that the Attorney-General visits Bendigo and tours the old law courts with the National Trust to see the unique architecture and commit to the open community engagement that was promised and open the door for this grand old building to be used once again.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
