By LAURA WAKELY
A MINING company will demolish four buildings of historical significance at their Ballarat Rd site in Deer Park.
Orica applied to demolish nine buildings on the site, and have already obtained permits to demolish non-significant buildings.
In a report to Brimbank City Council, Acting Manager of City Development Stuart Menzies noted the buildings were on one of the few sites in Brimbank that feature buildings and infrastructure of industrial significance.
The Sunshine Historical Society and Friend of the Black Powder Mill objected to the demolition on the grounds of heritage, denial of community experience and the depletion of heritage assets.
Council sought the opinion of international explosives experts to investigate the need for demolition, who found that four buildings, all of which are of primary heritage significance, have multiple contaminants and need to be demolished.
While five of the nine buildings could possibly be decontaminated and restored, Mr Menzies said further investigation is required to ensure they are safe.
Mr Menzies said Orica is also in disagreement with the report and believes just one of the buildings may be rescued.
Administrator Joanne Anderson said it was a difficult decision to approve the demolition of the historic buildings, which she said represented an important part of Brimbank’s history.
But she said the council had to listen to the advice of independent experts.
