GG 51/11
11 October 2011
Special Minister of State Gary Gray today announced that the Department of Finance and Deregulation will undertake a major project to replace the roof at The Lodge and upgrade essential services to the historic property.
Mr Gray said that recent building condition audits of the heritage-listed property had revealed that the roof was failing and had to be replaced as a matter of urgency.
“The roof repairs are essential because the slate has deteriorated to such a point that it is dangerous, with badly broken or cracked tiles, and no longer safely weather-proofs the building,” Mr Gray said.
“The work is required to comply with the current Building Code of Australia and Occupational Health and Safety standards.”
The Department of Finance and Deregulation will replace the roof and at the same time undertake additional essential works to the 84‑year old property. The residence has original 1920s copper electrical wiring housed in cloth insulation, which may become a fire hazard. The 1920s plumbing consists of leaking and rusty galvanised pipes. Fire protection and security systems will also be updated to meet acceptable standards and new guard houses will be built.
Potentially hazardous materials, such as asbestos-containing building products, will also be removed from the house.
The cost estimates will be prepared during the design process over the next few months. The project will be subject to normal Commonwealth probity processes, including scrutiny by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
“Since the design and tendering process is yet to happen, the department cannot provide a precise cost of the work,” Mr Gray said
The project, managed by the department, will take some 18 months to complete and The Lodge will be uninhabitable for several months during the construction phase.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has already commenced planning to find suitable, secure accommodation for the Prime Minister while The Lodge is unavailable.
“This will obviously be a major inconvenience to the Prime Minister and her staff but she has agreed to vacate The Lodge in recognition of the vital need for the works to be undertaken,” Mr Gray said.
“With a few exceptions, The Lodge has been the primary home of successive Prime Ministers since 1927. It is regularly used to host foreign and Australian dignitaries and for charitable purposes. The department has a duty of care to maintain The Lodge as a safe environment for use by the Prime Minister and staff who work there and to preserve its important heritage for all Australians.”
For more information and photographs go to
http://www.finance.gov.au/property/property/the-lodge-refurbishment-works.html
NB: Pictures indicating the condition of The Lodge are available by contacting mediaenquiries@finance.gov.au
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