Mayor Martyn Evans reported on Willow Court’s progress to the Southern Tasmanian Council Authority in the June 2014 report, which is available on the Council website, (link below) It would appear that the Mayor will be working on policy issues relating to Willow Court with the CEO of the STCA and that the CEO will be the secondary spokesperson in relation to the ongoing progress of Willow Court. It is heartening to see that the STCA Board will actively support to redevelop and restore the remaining Willow Court site. It is unclear how that help will materialize with the information available, but we can only hope it will help in obtaining funds for future works.
Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority
Quarterly Report to Members
June 2014
- Portfolio Positions item 11, Item 10.4 in full on DVC website
Portfolio position: Willow Court
Background:
Willow Court was established in New Norfolk in the early 1830’s. It is a historic precinct that offers the rare opportunity to embrace Tasmania’s convict history whilst also providing a fantastic community asset.
The Derwent Valley Council bought the entire site from the State Government when it was decommissioned as a psychiatric facility. Since that time some of the newer buildings have been sold and are currently under private development. But as an extremely old and historic site it is the Council’s view that it is important that some of the site, particularly the old Royal Derwent Reserve Buildings, remain in public hands.
There has been significant work undertaken on the site in the past few years. With tourism through attractions, festivals and events playing a bigger role in the State’s economy the redeveloped historic Willow Court site provides the opportunity to harness these sectors to deliver economic and cultural benefits.
The site is starting to return to its former glory, but a significant funding injection is still required to finish the project. Recently a number of Mayor’s and the STCA CEO visited the Willow Court site and saw first hand the ongoing development works taking place on the site.
Since 2012 the Willow Court Conservation Special Committee has undertaken works totaling over $2 million. The Committee now has fundraising goals, as well as plans to lobby government for further support to undertake the work on restoration of the heritage precinct. Funding in the order of $8 million is required to complete the site’s restoration.
Position and Actions:
- The STCA supports the ongoing maintenance and development of the Willow Court site
- The Board undertakes to actively support the project to redevelop and restore the remainder of the historic Willow Court site
- Appoints Mayor Evans to work with the CEO on policy issues relating to Willow Court and to act as the secondary spokesperson on the issue
- Appoints the Lord Mayor to act as the STCA spokesperson on Willow Court