By MICK ROBERTS.

WOLLONGONG City Council says termites have been removed from one of its most historic public buildings.

Termite damage was first noticed in the 1860s cottage some time ago, a spokesperson told The Bulli Times, and immediate steps were made to eradicate the pest.

“Since that time the termites have been treated and a regular monitoring program implemented,” a spokesperson said.

“The last termite inspection was in February this year and no active termites were identified.”

Council said inspections for termites was done on a regular basis.

Heritage experts, historians and the wider community are calling on Council to find a practical and sympathetic use for the cottage and to repair damage before it’s beyond saving.

Council purchased the timber slab miners cottage for $700,000 in 1990 and appointed a management committee to operate the property as an interpretive miner’s museum.

The spokesperson said the Bulli Miner’s Cottage Management Committee was dissolved in 2007 and the building was brought under the care of Council.

The Bulli Times believes the committee was dissolved due to a lack of interest despite several attempts from members of the local community to become involved in the cottage’s management.

A building condition assessment was completed in December last year and the spokesperson said Council is in the process of implementing immediate priority works that can proceed prior to finalising the future use of the building.

Works includes the replacement and repair of all site fencing, the spokesperson said.

In addition to this, Council is also currently working through potential re-use options for the cottage.