Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan has welcomed the decision to defer the sale of the historic Casino Drill Hall.
“This is a great five-minute to midnight win for the community, and I thank Parliamentary secretary for Defence Darren Chester for listening to the wishes of our community,” he said.
Mr Chester announced today (Wednesday) that the proposed December 10 auction would be deferred for six months to allow for greater community consultation about the future of the Drill Hall, which was deemed surplus to requirements in 2008.
“I attended the recent community meeting about the proposed sale at the Casino RSM and the wish of the meeting was that the sale be deferred. I conveyed that message to Mr Chester who undertook to take it back to the department.”
“This is a good win for our community and will give us time for a thorough consultation.”
Mr Chester has accepted an invitation by Mr Hogan to visit Casino and meet with residents to discuss the future of the Casino Drill Hall.
The Drill Hall was formally used by 3 Platoon, A Company of the 41st Battalion Royal New South Wales regiment, which now parades in Lismore.
A review of Defence Department needs in 2008 found the Drill Hall surplus to requirement. It was due to be auctioned to the public on December 10.
