Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has welcomed today’s visit to Casino by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, to discuss future plans for the Casino Drill Hall.
Mr Hogan arranged the meeting after the local community expressed concerns regarding the Department of Defence’s plans to sell the hall and surrounding land, which is surplus to Defence needs.
“I’m pleased that Parliamentary Secretary agreed to delay the sale last year to allow time for our community to develop a proposal for an alternate use of the site,” Mr Hogan said.
“Today we met with local council and representatives of the proposed Northern Rivers Military Museum to outline their business plan for a museum to recognise our region’s contribution to the Australian Defence Force.
“The Richmond Valley Council has undertaken to submit a proposal to the Parliamentary Secretary for his consideration before any further steps are taken to dispose of the site.”
Mr Chester said he was impressed by the community’s plans for the museum and was looking forward to receiving a detailed proposal from the council.
“Under the Commonwealth property disposals policy, there is a capacity for the Federal Government to sell surplus property to local government where such a sale would provide local economic or social benefits,” Mr Chester said.
“I would like to congratulate Kevin Hogan for working with the community groups to progress the museum concept and I am hopeful that we can achieve an outcome that meets the needs of the community and Federal Government.”
