Tickets For Tunnels A Historic Decision

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday September 2, 2008

JACQUI JONES CIVIC

FORT Scratchley visitors could soon have to pay up to $25 a family for the privilege of seeing the historic site's underground tunnels and taking guided tours of the grounds.

Operators say the charges are necessary to cover operating costs.

The restored Newcastle East landmark reopened to the public in July after the Federal Government handed ownership to Newcastle City Council in June.

Visits are permitted from Wednesday to Monday.

The council, backed by Fort Scratchley Historical Society, which assists with site operations, is looking to introduce fees for accessing some areas and services.

Under a proposal to go before councillors tonight, general entry to the grounds would remain free, but entry to the tunnels would be by guided tour only at a cost of $8 an adult, $4 a child or $20 a family.

Tours of the site and tunnels would cost $10 an adult, $5 for children and $25 a family.

Fort Scratchley Historical Society president Bill Hopkins said yesterday the money would go towards maintaining the property.

"It's reducing any burden on the ratepayers," Mr Hopkins said.

The council also hopes to make money from hiring out a new multi-purpose centre built on the ocean-view site.

A draft fees and charges schedule suggests charging between $400 and $800 to rent the space for up to nine hours.

The barracks would be available for between $165 and $350.

A council report said the fees and charges would help cover ownership and operating costs.

"A primary condition of council accepting ownership was that the fort would not be an unfair financial burden on the current or future ratepayers of Newcastle," the report said.

Buildings were regularly broken into and vandalised after the fort closed in April 2004.

The Federal Government spent $12 million on refurbishments to make the site fit for public access before handing it to the council.

The proposed schedule of fees and charges will be put out for public comment if councillors give it their in-principle support.

Editorial, Lewis's View

Page 8

WHAT IT WILL COST*

TUNNEL TOUR

Adult $8

Child up to 18 years $4

Family of two adults, two children $20

Seniors $6

Student/pensioner $4

SITE AND TUNNEL TOUR

Adult $10

Child $5

Family $25

Seniors $8

Student/pensioner $5

ROOM HIRE

Multi-purpose centre$400-$800

Barracks $165-$350

* Proposed fees and charges

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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