Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 16 October 2012:

With reference to the potential sale, from the department to Defence Housing Australia, of the Gunners’ Cottages on Queen Victoria Street, Fremantle:

(1) Were the properties independently valued?

(2) What sale price was arrived at after the department’s valuation and the independent valuation was complete?

(3) Has the sale been progressed or agreed to?

(4) What major maintenance and refurbishments to the properties are needed?

(5) What is the estimated cost of maintenance and refurbishments?

(6) Have maintenance and refurbishment costs been put to the Public Works Committee and what is the anticipated schedule for their refurbishment; if not, when will the maintenance and refurbishments be put to the Public Works Committee?

(7) When is it expected that the houses may be inhabited?

Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

(1) Yes.

(2) $1,000,000.

(3) In accordance with the Commonwealth Property Disposals Policy, the Australian Government approved the sale to Defence Housing Australia on 16 October 2012.

(4) The dwellings need major heritage restoration and each will be reconfigured from two to three bedrooms plus ensuite. Work also includes an extension to the rear of the properties to provide new kitchens, living areas and other updates to ensure that the properties are suitable for occupation by Defence families.

(5) $398,000 per dwelling.

(6) Defence Housing Australia will undertake the restoration of the dwellings and has advised that the project to refurbish these dwellings will be put before the Public Works Committee (PWC) as a Medium Works Proposal before commencement of any works. It is anticipated that the refurbishment of the dwellings will be put to the PWC in the latter part of 2013, with refurbishment/construction commencing early in 2014.

(7) Defence Housing Australia has advised that, subject to satisfactory progress in meeting the heritage requirements, Defence families may commence occupation of the cottages during 2015.