WODONGA Council will step up talks with VicTrack about redeveloping former railway land in the city centre after securing $10 million in federal funding.
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A major priority in the successful application announced last week was the extension of Havelock Street from near the Huon Hill pub to Osburn Street on the former railway line alongside Wodonga Bowling Club.
VicTrack has previously raised concerns with council regarding vehicle access to the blocks of land created by the extension of Havelock Street and another proposed extension of South Street.
The Havelock Street extension will be single lane in each direction including centre median and road edge parking.
Wodonga mayor Rod Wangman said the federal funding would bring council and VicTrack back to the table with talks also scheduled with Victorian transport minister Jacinta Allan.
“These things are slow, but they need to be methodical,” he said.
“We are not at the point where we need to decide whether we want to buy the land.
“But whether the land is purchased, whether the land is gifted, are all conversations to be had over coming months.”
The $10 million will also be used on improvements between Smythe and High streets and completing an area known as the Promenade between the former railway station and goods shed.
Railway land in central Wodonga has largely sat idle since its relocation in 2010.
“Now we’ve got the $10 million we can have a more purposeful discussion,” Cr Wangman said.
“VicTrack will have the benefit of once a road gets put through, they would be able to more easily sell their land.”
Wodonga Brass Band’s fate remains in limbo with the funding application not including an extension of South Street to Havelock Street.
The band hall, which has been at its current location since 1967, is directly in the path of a South Street extension.
Last year the Victorian Treasury blocked council’s ability to force the band out of its current home.
Band president Ron Mildren said it had not been given an update on how long it could remain in Hovell Street.
“We know Wodonga Council got some money, but that is about all we know,” he said.
Improvements to Hovell Street between South Street and Elgin Boulevard near the band hall were recently completed as part of the Mann development.
