Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has pushed the Andrews Labor Government to follow through on a commitment to put Rochester’s iconic Random House on the market.
Speaking in Victorian Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Walsh asked Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan for confirmation on when the property, currently owned by the Department of Health and Human Services, will be sold.
Mr Walsh’s question comes after years of lobbying by the community and yet another break in at the historic property. The Government first indicated plans to sell the property in March 2018.
“Despite the Andrews Labor Government confirming in July that the sale will be “finalised shortly” Rochester residents have been left in the dark as the property continues to deteriorate,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Department has continued to neglect the property and the Minister’s lack of action has meant our iconic local landmark has been left vulnerable to vandals in recent months.
“Random House is a treasured part of Rochester’s history and the community deserve to see the property restored to its original splendour.
“But as the Andrews Labor Government continues to stall on the sale of the property, Rochester’s beloved local landmark continues to deteriorate.”
Mr Walsh has been campaigning for the sale of the heritage-listed landmark since August 2016. Mr Donnellan has 30 days to respond to Mr Walsh’s question.
Background
Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) (12:34:59): (1203) My constituency question is to the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers and it concerns Random House in Rochester.
I ask the minister on behalf of the Rochester community when Random House will actually formally be put on the market.
The minister has previously written to me stating it will be sold, but this grand old house has been damaged by vandals and is a fire risk and people there want to see it sold to a new owner so it is cared for and restored to its former glory. I ask: when will it actually happen?