Comment sought on old school site

Yarragon residents have an opportunity to tell Baw Baw Shire how the former primary school site in Rollo St should be developed.

Community members are being asked to help develop a masterplan for the site, which was purchased by council to ensure it was retained for community use.

Council paid $510,000 plus GST for the former school site.

Potential uses identified in early consultation with a local project reference group have included playgrounds, recreation spaces, community gardens, sporting areas or mixed use.

Mayor Danny Goss said ultimately, the use of the site will hinge on the preferences of the local community so all residents are urged to get involved in the consultation.

The community consultation will run until February 19 and includes a survey that is available online and in print.

The feedback gathered during consultation will directly inform the draft masterplan for the site.

Once drafted, the masterplan will then go back to the community for further feedback and approval in May.

“We know how important this site is to the Yarragon community. It clearly has great potential for a number of different uses, but what really matters to council is that it gets used in a way that best benefits the local residents,” Cr Goss said.

The mayor encouraged everyone in and around Yarragon to share their thoughts and tell council how they want the site used.

Cr Michael Leaney said it was important council listened to local voices.

“The people living and working in a community know what is needed and what will work to benefit them.

“We listened to the Yarragon community to ensure that this important public space was not lost to development and then acted to purchase the site.

“Now we need the Yarragon community to advise on how this space will best serve the community and visitors for years to come,” Cr Leaney said.

Community members can provide feedback through the Have Your Say section on council’s website..