The action group is strongly against council demolishing the Yarrawonga Community Hall and believe many of the hall’s current user groups will be disadvantaged by not having the hall, even threatening their existence and events.
This renewed push from the action group has come directly after council unanimously agreed to formally consider the purchase of the old Yarrawonga Primary School site on Piper Street but proceed with the library development at the town hall precinct at the July ordinary meeting.
The local action group have applauded councillors for unanimously voting to maintain an interest in procuring the former Yarrawonga Primary School (YPS) site which they believe would be a more suitable site for the library.
The action group are now asking council to put on hold all plans until the future of the YPS site is known.
Spokesperson for the Yarrawonga Community Action Group (YCAG) Jeanette Wilson said the group has been encouraging Moira Shire Council to act to acquire the former primary school site for the past twelve months, but reminded residents the council resolution merely commits council to; “give further consideration to its interest in acquiring the site when it becomes clear whether the property is being offered for sale as a whole or in separate parts”.
“YCAG strongly advocates that the site be retained for community use,” Mrs Wilson said.
“The options of first right of refusal for purchasing the land for community use or requesting consolidation of the whole site as crown land under management of council are preferable to bidding for the land at open auction. It would be naive to think that developers would not bid for the site,” she said.
Despite an expected large impending debt burden of such a purchase or the impact it may have on other planned projects going forward council moved to consider acquiring the site when it becomes clear whether the property is being offered for sale as a whole or in separate parts.
Department of Education and Training (DET) has indicated that the site is no longer required for education and is working towards disposal of the land by an initial first right of refusal offer (FROR) to public authorities.
Community suggestions that the State Government should offer the former primary school site at a discount or even for nothing based on past crown land given by the community to establish the new P-12 site has not produced any known positive response from the minister’s office and appears to be an unlikely proposition.
The FROR process is on a restricted title at a discounted valuation on the basis the land and buildings are retained and used for “municipal purposes and non-commercial in nature.
A site assessment by council stated that debt finance is how council will likely fund such an acquisition given the “reasonable” expectation that other projects, such as the planned multisport stadium, would not be jeopardized.
Mrs Wilson said the former primary school site would be much better suited for the new library development along with other many possible uses.
“It offers the space they require, room for future expansion, views of the lake, adequate parking and green space,” Mrs Wilson said.
YCAG strongly believe the town hall precinct is a poor option for the new library highlighting; the “destruction” of vital support facilities such as the Yarrawonga Community Hall and kitchen; “destruction” of the unique appearance of the Yarrawonga Town Hall; pressure on parking in the area; a more costly option to achieve a less desirable result for the library and the town hall and; reduction of potential for future dance and performing arts.
The action group has recently engaged a local professional building design company who has designed a conceptual plan (see page 4) that assists residents and authorities to envisage what potential the site has as a community hub.
“Other than the library, the Tourist Information Centre would be better located at the old YPS site as well as an interpretive centre, museum, art gallery, adequate parking, children’s play area and good landscaping all within one block from our main street,” Mrs Wilson said.
“Community groups may consider using former classrooms or the old fire station for yoga, craft, music, youth activities and other interests.
“What’s more, we need to preserve the wonderful historic buildings on the site, which enhance the appearance of our town. It is a once only opportunity to create a wonderful community space for Yarrawonga Mulwala.,” she said.
“Residents who support this better, long term option are urged to keep talking to their councillors, local member of parliament (Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy) and discuss the issues with their families, neighbours and friends.
The action group will be holding a meeting to help consolidate their views at the Yarrawonga Community Hall on Saturday, August, 24. The afternoon will give residents a chance to fill in a new survey with an updated option of locating the library at the former YPS site. There will also be some entertainment and afternoon tea available. Come along at 1.30pm to 4pm or visit the group’s Facebook site under Yarrawonga Community Action Group.