Talks for hall to become emergency hub

A DISCUSSION on whether or not to utilise the Shelford Hall as a place to convene during crises is set to be had next week.

The event is open to everyone and will see Golden Plains Shire staff meeting with community to gauge the feasibility of using the site as an emergency hub in the case of flood or fires.

Shelford’s Stephen Gilligan said it’s essential for people to be able to give their input into the idea.

“We’re in a really formative stage, gaining a whole heap of knowledge, and seeing what sort of need there is in the community for this,” he said.

“I think there’s a need for it but if there’s no need for it by the community, why move forward?

“The idea from this came from council who are doing this for Inverleigh, Shelford, and Teesdale, I believe.”

Mr Gilligan estimated the hall has not previously been used as an emergency hub, but that the site’s location would be appropriate.

“It’s central to the town and it’s got a kitchen and toilets,” he said.

“It’s in a position where it won’t flood and that’s our biggest issue with some of the areas in town. It’ll be high and dry, and it will make everyone know the hall’s there and can be utilised for other reasons.”

Shelford, alongside Inverleigh, was declared one of Golden Plains Shire’s worst flood-prone towns in 2020, with updates brought to the Municipal Flood Emergency Management Plan around that time.

Mr Gilligan said the proposed emergency hub would serve as a place to connect and exchange information rather than as a place of last resort.

“It’d be a place to gather and seek information, share stories about what’s going on, coordinate efforts to support each other, and communicate with council for immediate needs and ongoing support,” he said.

Shelford Hall has lain dormant since 2020 after being deemed unsafe for community use.

The venue is set to reopen again following the municipality;s approval to undertake remedial works, with more than $152,000 donated between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Leighburn Farm, and Berrybank Wind Farm.

The meeting will take place at the Shelford Cricket Club’s clubrooms from 4pm on Monday 26 August.