Tom Street, Yarrawonga – site update

Published on 09 March 2022

Moira Shire Council is currently considering the terms and conditions of the purchase of the Tom Street, Yarrawonga site through the Victorian Government’s first right of refusal process to ensure it negotiates the best possible outcome for the entire Moira Shire community.

Mayor Libro Mustica said the Tom Street site was a combination of more than seven titles and land-use purposes and had considerable infrastructure above and below ground that had a combination of aged, unsafe, with asbestos present, structures plus state heritage protection over the former Court House.

“Council officers have been in discussions with the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) on options for the Tom Street site,” Cr Mustica said.

“It is important to note the Water Tower Reserve adjacent to Irvine Parade is privately owned and not part of the parcel of land being considered in the first right of refusal process.

“Heritage Victoria (HV) confirmed a heritage application received in July 2019 for the remainder of the Tom Street site was accepted in November 2019.

“HV advised the heritage assessment process may take at least another 12 months due to a back-log of applications.”

Cr Mustica said if the application was supported by HV, public consultation would occur, so Council and the community would have the opportunity to contribute at that time.

“Council has also been notified of interest from an indigenous organisation in the acquisition of this site and it is imperative we follow all correct procedures while this organisation explores their options,” he said.

“All of this means the purchase and asset decommissioning processes are not straightforward and may impose major limitations on the future development and use of the site.

“There are certainly heritage and cultural reasons to preserve some of the Tom Street site, but that will clearly restrict the future use of the site and will come at a substantial cost to the ratepayers of Moira Shire.”

Council is sourcing funding opportunities to establish an Urban Renewal Strategy and Framework Plan which would guide the development of the Tom Street site and its immediate surrounds.

“Part of this Strategy and Framework Plan would be to develop an economic assessment of the best possible uses of the site and will guide future development and land uses in and around the site,” Cr Mustica said.

“To purchase a site without a full feasibility study would simply not be responsible or appropriate governance.

“We look forward to continuing discussions with the Victorian State Government and community groups as new information becomes available.”