Fed: Costello urges Vic govt to protect mansion

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2006
Fed: Costello urges Vic govt to protect mansion

MELBOURNE, Dec 18 AAP - Federal Treasurer Peter Costello has urged the Victorian government
to protect the historic Stonnington Mansion in Melbourne's south-east.

Deakin University is poised to decide on a purchaser for the heritage-listed mansion
in Malvern in Mr Costello's electorate of Higgins.

The Kirner government gave the 116-year-old mansion to the university in 1991, to be
used for educational purposes.

Mr Costello said the Victorian government must guarantee the building will not be destroyed
or its historic value diminished.

"I would hate to see that wonderful heritage building demolished or destroyed in some
way," he told ABC radio.

"I am calling on the Victorian government not to let this building be sold for inappropriate
development."

Mr Costello said the federal government was not interested in owning the mansion.

"But if the Victorian government wants to preserve its heritage building, or if the
local council wants to have it opened for residents, I would interest the federal government
in assisting," he said.

"The federal government doesn't want to own the property - it doesn't buy houses -
but we'd love to help the local community if they have a public use for it."

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KEYWORD: MANSION COSTELLO

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