Wauchope Historical Society hope the council and the state government will help them move the old school building at Wauchope Public.
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Last week, the state government offered the society the chance to relocated Block Six, proposed for demolition, but the cost is $425,000 and the deadline is August 18.
“If Council comes to the party and allows removal to Bain Park, we can negotiate with the department,” said Historical Society president, Jean Hegarty.
“Why should we have to pay the components which they would have to pay if demolition proceeded? But that’s an academic argument if we have nowhere to move the building. It’s a beautiful big building and would be fantastic for use by a wide range of community groups,” she said.
Mayor Peta Pinson said the old school could become a tourist attraction, and she and the council project manager have been meeting the historical society. She says she supports them, but the time frame is unachievable.
“Our meetings have resulted in the council committing to preparing a master plan for Bain Park, and because it’s such a valuable community space, there will be public consultation so everyone can have a say in what it will look like.
“I would like to hear the thoughts of our State member, Melinda Pavey and whether there is any assistance she can render. We only found out about this last Thursday.
“Giving the old school to the historical society is not a gift, it’s a debt of $425,000 for them. The State should preserve 100 years’ worth of history. They should say: ‘You provide the site. We will move it for you.’” said the Mayor.
The Oxley member, Melinda Pavey was unavailable for comment.
Deputy Mayor Lisa Intemann supports the relocation.
“Is there a person or a group who would like to have this lovely building and move it, acting very quickly? If so, then please contact me. Don’t be put off by the government cost estimate to remove the building, which seems grossly over-priced,” she said.
Cr Sharon Griffiths said that with such a tight deadline, the community needs to rally quickly.
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