If you have ever been to Castlemaine you know it to be a unique country town, steeped in history and heritage. The Old Castlemaine Gaol, sitting on top of a hill overlooking the centre of town, is culturally and historically significant. With the undeveloped eastern slope providing an uninterrupted aspect to and from the town, the Gaol is a dominant local landmark.
A campaign is underway to declare the Diggings of Castlemaine a World Heritage place.
In May 2012, a group of concerned citizens became aware of Council plans to sell the old Gaol to private interests. They formed an action group and held public information sessions, resulting in a membership in the hundreds, extensive media coverage and offers of legal and finacial help from near and far. They forced Council into another round of public consultation, which saw an unprecedented response from the Shire and beyond. 360 written submissions were received, and over 100 people spoke personally to their submissions at a marathon Special Council Meeting on September 24. The very next night, September 25 saw the Mount Alexander Shire Council vote 4 to 2 to sell the Old Castlemaine Gaol to private developers.
UPDATE: After 8 years operating as a venue and cafe, but with no residential development, the Gaol was sold to another private owner. To date, the new owner has expressed no desire to develop the Gaol or its surrounds for housing.
Media list under construction
Help us save the Old Castlemaine Gaol. Protect our past. Enhance our future. Keep the Old Gaol in community hands.
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