MOIRA Shire has moved to hose down criticisms about a lack of community consultation over its Yarrawonga town hall and library redevelopment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A media release issued late on Friday welcomed all feedback to the plans with a commitment to further “comprehensive community consultation moving forward”, according to the shire’s general manager for community, Sally Rice.
A major gripe from the dance weekend organisers was they would lose catering facilities presently located in the community hall earmarked for demolition.
But, Ms Rice explained commercial kitchen services would be created within the town hall precinct.
Also, the shire has responded to feedback why the former primary school built in 1877 couldn’t be used for an expanded library.
It is still owned by the Victorian Government.
Ms Rice said the school, which closed at the end of last year and moved to the P-12 school site in Gilmore Street, was among 10 sites assessed by consultants who identified the town hall precinct as the most suitable library site.
Its major advantages were three street frontages (Belmore, Orr and Hume), central location, proximity to bus stop, urban renewal opportunity and co-location opportunities.
The library is presently located in Belmore Street near the post office with the council-owned building likely to be sold.
Ms Rice also addressed future community consultation.
“It will occur the entire way throughout the site master-plan design and implementation process,” she said.
“This consultation will take multiple forms, from calling for submissions to workshops to information sessions at every milestone event.
“In addition, those people who indicated in the initial survey they would like further involvement and input will be contacted in coming days.”
Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here
