Update given on purchased property

SMYTHESDALE community members were given an insight into Golden Plains Shire staff’s options on what to do with the town’s defunct church property.

Located at 66 Brooke Street, the site lay dormant for years before being purchased by the municipality in 2022.

The info session took place last week where community member Lin Hocking-Turnbull said residents were presented with the three options municipal officers have for the property.

“It either gets removed, it gets rebuilt, or it gets demolished,” she said. “I’d just like to see anything done about it because frankly it’s a bit of an eyesore at the moment.

“It’s right on the entrance into town and been in disrepair for years and years, even when the Catholic Church had it.”

It’s estimated 30 people attended the meeting.

A Golden Plains Shire spokesperson said the info session was an opportunity for residents to bring their own input into what could be done with the site.

“The community session addressed the building’s condition and heritage significance, with attendees providing input on possible outcomes for the future of the building and surrounds,” the spokesperson said.

“The aim of the meeting was to present an overview of the Building Condition Report and Heritage Assessment, and to invite participants to provide input on possible outcomes for the future of the building and surrounds.

“Currently, options for its use are being explored in consultation with the local community.

“At this stage of the project, we invite anyone with questions or comments to email council’s coordinator economic development Peter Ridsdale.”