COUNCIL has defended a question put to them by a relation of Ned Kelly regarding the location of the $4.774 million Glenrowan Interpretive and Cultural Centre to be built at Lions Park.
Joanne Griffiths, Ned's great–grand–niece, submitted a question, read out by Mayor Dean Rees at February's Wangaratta council meeting in relation to the surveying of the interpretive centre (tower) location and whether the views of historic sites in Glenrowan from the tower would be of optimum viewing position.
"Does council acknowledge that the alleged improved views included in its application as justification for siting of the tower were not surveyed, are in fact misleading and in multiple instances do not exist and cannot be obtained," Cr Rees read out.
Director of development services Stephen Swart responded by confirming a full survey on the project site was undertaken as part of the permit process for the project.
"The heritage impact statement assessed the impact of the heritage space based on a proposal the siting of the building will provide views from a viewing platform of the significant locations across the site," Mr Swart said.
"The aim of the interpretive centre and interpretation within it is to help visitors to understand the context and significance of events on that site.
"The location of the building supports the understanding of the relationship between the sites whether they currently exist in their original form or not.
"Interpretation will be further enhanced by technology and storytelling within the interpretation centre which will further allow visitors to envisage the events that took place within the precinct.
"The heritage impact statement assessed the impact of the proposal on the heritage place and found that it had a minor impact only.
"The proposal is consistent with the Glenrowan Masterplan and the landscape management plan.
"The development has been approved by Heritage Victoria considering all of these matters.
"Council has met all state and federal requirements in obtaining the necessary permit for the project and we will continue to ensure all requirements under that permit are met as we proceed through the construction phase of that project."
Council reports that contractors Midsons Pty Ltd installed the temporary fence last Thursday and contractors were prepping the site for the temporary facilities last week.
Site sheds and temporary toilets will be delivered today and the existing toilets will remain in operation until the temporary toilets are set up.
Once the temporary toilets are set up, Midsons will fence off the old toilets and begin demolition.
Some $444,771 was spent on the design of the Glenrowan Cultural Interpretive Centre, the building aspect cost $4,774,350, and a further $200,000 will be spent on the audio–visual/multimedia production elements.
Ms Griffiths helped inform the Ned Kelly Project, which investigated the feasibility of creating a greater tourism presence connected to the history of the Kelly Gang and connected events that transpired in the region.
