FEDERATION Shire ratepayers may not have to fork out $20,000 to shift The Castle house to Corowa.
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The council’s administrator Mike Eden, in announcing the move on Monday, had suggested the relocation of the movie home from Melbourne could cost $20,000.
But Corowa Whisky and Chocolate managing director Dean Druce, whose land is set to host the home, said his firm would contribute.
I think we've had $20,000 publicity for the area already
- Federation Shire administrator Mike Eden
He also expects in-kind sponsorship deals with a removalist and a builder to emerge.
“It shouldn’t actually cost the council anything and a lot of the credit needs to go to the council because they’re the ones that have liaised with the developer and made it possible,” Mr Druce said.
The move has attracted criticism from some concerned at the possible expense, but Mr Eden believes even if it does cost $20,000 the money will be recouped through economic benefit to Corowa.
“The extra people visiting Corowa would help the businesses, the golf club, wineries in Victoria, the chocolate and whisky factory, the coffee shops,” Mr Eden said.
“It may be the best $20,000 we spend to promote the town.
“People keep saying we need to promote economic activity, well I think we’ve had $20,000 publicity for the area already.”
Mr Eden was referring to the move featuring across Australia on ABC radio’s AM program as well as in the metropolitan press, radio and television.
Mr Druce is already planning spin-offs.
“(On Wednesday) there’s going to be a burger on the menu that’s going to be a Castle burger and it’s going to have rissoles in it,” he said.
“That’s the start and we’re planning a whisky that has something to do with The Castle.”
Corowa Business Chamber president Mary Hetherington has welcomed the house plan.
“I think it’s all pretty exciting for Corowa, it should be a good tourist attraction,” Mrs Hetherington said.
“I think Mike Eden and the council have done well in getting on to this.”
Before the house can be moved a plan to build townhouses on the block in Melbourne needs to be approved by Moonee Valley Council.
A tenancy agreement is also in place on the Strathmore house until June 30.
