December’s Federation Council meeting showed the depth of emotion for a situation with no clear answers.
The museum was closed indefinitely in February last year after serious structural issues were discovered in the building.
An engineers’ report showed the structural integrity of the building was compromised to the point where public safety was at risk.
Late last year, Federation Council engaged a structural engineer to complete a thorough inspection of the building, which confirmed the extensive structural issues from the original construction and further deterioration, signally the end of the life for the building.
The Historical Society, which runs the museum, is determined to push ahead with another independent engineers’ assessment, hoping for a different result and will meet on January 19 to discuss the way forward.
President Kaye Reeves said the society had requested a meeting with council’s general manager, Adrian Butler who is currently on leave.
“Council wants us to move out but we have nowhere to move to,” Mrs Reeves said.
“They have suggested shipping containers, but how do you fit aeroplanes and coaches into containers.
“The cost and manpower needed is enormous ... I can’t believe in this day and age there isn’t a solution to the building.”
Mayor Cheryl Cook summed up the feeling when she said that no matter how many engineer’s reports are done, “my heart tells me the same result will come out”.
Mulwala-based councillor and registered builder, Cr Andrew Kennedy also doubted any engineer would sign off on the report to reopen the building.
“After multiple reports, it’s not ideal but I honestly don’t think we have a choice,” Cr Kennedy said.
“If we gift (the building) to the committee and something happens, we’ll be sued.
“It’s all about legalities...hard decisions have to be made.”
Cr Derek Schoen admitted to feeling “in despair” over the “devastating” decision facing councillors who all agreed that safety was the prime consideration.
After a lengthy discussion, councillors unanimously voted to provide $195,000 and six months to decant the artefacts, prop the building and allow time for the Historical Society to prepare an engineers’ report at their expense.
But there are still many unanswered questions in a very complex situation.
How to remove the artefacts, and where to, is at the forefront of everybody’s thinking with the Historical Society concerned that moving the collection will fragment it.
“This is our history,” Mrs Reeves said.
“Hopefully we’ll get more answers when we have our engineer look at it.
“How far would $195,000 go towards building a shed to store things on the property?
“Why was council’s engineer allowed in, but the building needs to be propped before we can have an engineer go in?
“Everyone is so frustrated; there’s been no answers last year so hopefully 2026 will bring answers.”
